Australian and State Governments have declared Thursday 22 September will be a Public Holiday during the mourning period for Queen Elizabeth II. Under the Fair Work Act, National Employment Standards (NES) non casual employees are entitled to be paid ordinary rates if absent and normally scheduled or rostered to work on the day.If work is still required an employee may be entitled to penalty rates under the award or may refuse to work on reasonable grounds.Subject to any award provisions employers and employees may agree to substitute or swap the declared date with another date of their choosing.
Talking about royal holidays, Queensland and WA recognise the existing “Queen’s Birthday” in the coming weeks. We expect this will be promptly re-gazetted as the “King’s Birthday” from now on. It is possible the actual date for the Monarch’s birthday may also be reviewed in 2023. Apparently Charles’ actual birthday is 19 November. However the date of the public holiday is designated by the relevant State parliament.For more information about public holidays or the official ceremonies: