Public Holiday Pay Rates & Rules
Working on a gazetted Public Holiday entitles employees to significant penalty rates under the SCHADS Award.
Quick Facts
- Penalty Rate
- 250% (Double time and a half)
- Minimum Payments
- Usually 2 hours minimum
- Not Working?
- Full-timers paid base rate if it falls on their rostered day
Tools & Resources
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SCHADS AI Assistant
Get instant answers to award questions.
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Timesheet Validator
Check timesheets for compliance.
The 250% Rate
If you are required to work on a Public Holiday, you are paid **250%** of your minimum hourly rate. This applies to casuals as well (the 250% is usually calculated on the base rate, and substitutes the casual loading, resulting in a higher total pay).
Christmas, Easter, Anzac Day
These rules apply to all gazetted public holidays in your state or territory. If a holiday falls on a weekend and a substitute day is declared (e.g. Monday), usually the penalty applies to the day designated as the public holiday.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I refuse to work a public holiday?
- An employee can refuse to work on a public holiday if the request is not reasonable or if the refusal is reasonable (e.g., family commitments).
Automate SCHADS Compliance
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