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Public holidays

The SDA will always protect your rights on public holidays

As a result of our campaigning and advocacy, we have not only protected your rights on public holidays but improved them.

The SDA believes that public holidays should be for everyone – retail and fast food workers deserve public holidays too.

Public holidays are important time off to spend with friends and family.

That’s why we will always protect them.

Local workers in Rundle Mall standing in a crowd with a big banner that says New Part-Day Public Holidays

Your rights on public holidays

For most SDA members, work on public holidays is voluntary.

You have a right to take time off to enjoy with friends and family.

If you’re rostered on and choose to work, you should be paid public holiday penalty rates.

These are higher rates of pay and will vary depending on your agreement or award.

Two SDA members stand with an Easter bunny holding signs saying Make Easter Sunday A Public Holiday.

SDA wins on public holidays

  • Part-Day Public Holidays on Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve in South Australia and Queensland.
  • Easter Sunday as a declared public holiday in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
  • No trading on ANZAC Day in NSW from 2025

Ask a question

Have a problem at work and you are not sure what to do? If you are an SDA member you have access to confidential advice and assistance from SDA Information Officers and Advocates.

Not a member?

Join the SDA now

Ask a question

Have a problem at work and you are not sure what to do? If you are an SDA member you have access to confidential advice and assistance from SDA Information Officers and Advocates.

Not a member?

Join the SDA now