Published March 2023

Everyone loves the 4-day Easter long weekend, especially when it’s followed by two more public holidays for Anzac Day and Labour Day (Qld). While we are all looking forward to a well-earned break, there are a few things all employers should be considering and planning for right now.

Here’s our top 3 things to consider:

1. PUBLIC HOLIDAY DATES & PAYMENTS

In Queensland, Good Friday, the Day After Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are public holidays. This is 7^th to the 10^th of April 2023, inclusive.

Queensland also has the following public holidays closely after Easter:

• Tuesday 25^th April 2023 – Anzac Day
• Monday 1^st May 2023 – Labour Day (Qld)

Generally, employees should be paid for the public holiday if it is a day they usually work (excluding casuals), or penalty rates usually apply if an employee works. Be sure to check the Award or Agreement applicable to your team to get the payments right.

Please note that the public holiday dates vary between states so if you have employees in other states, be sure to check this page here for dates that apply in other locations.

2. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEAM

Whether you will be open or closed for the public holidays, now is the time to let your team know the businesses intentions. This is crucial, especially if you are requesting employees to work on public holidays.

3. PAYROLL PROCESSING

If you usually process payroll on a Monday or Friday (or Tuesday in the case of Anzac Day), consider whether you need to make alternative arrangements (for example, processing on Thursday). Be sure to communicate any changes with your team ahead of time.

4. IF FLAT/LOADED RATE EMPLOYEES WORK A PUBLIC HOLIDAY

You should ensure these employees remain better off when compared to the Award or Agreement that applies to them (taking in to account the penalty rates that would ordinarily apply on a public holiday). Reach out to our team if you need help with calculations or ensuring your IFA’s are correct for your arrangements.

From our family to yours, Happy Easter!

We will be closed over the Easter long weekend, reopening on Tuesday 11^th April 2023.