Boxing Day Public Holiday

ACT Minister for Industrial Relations, Katy Gallagher MLA, today moved to clear up confusion over the Boxing Day public holiday, confirming that the designated holiday would fall on Monday 28 December this year.

“Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday this year, under ACT legislation, the designated public holiday is actually on the Monday,” Ms Gallagher said.

“This approach is consistent with all Australian States and the Northern Territory which are also celebrating the Boxing Day public holiday on Monday 28 December. 

“As a consequence, employers, particularly retailers and owners of bars and restaurants, should be aware that public holiday penalty wage rates are applicable for all hours worked by staff on that Monday, rather than on the Saturday.

“However, as all retailers would be aware, unlike other jurisdictions where the Boxing Day Sales have long been a traditional day of trading, the ACT Government does not regulate trading hours, and each retailer, shop or business owner is generally able to dictate its own opening and closing hours depending on lease arrangements and other personal or business factors,” Ms Gallagher said.

22 December 2009