In the coming weeks, many Australians are set to enjoy a well-deserved public holiday during the October long weekend. This break is scheduled from Friday, October 3 to Monday, October 6, although not all states and territories will partake.
Residents of South Australia, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory will observe Labour Day on October 6, coinciding with Queensland’s King’s Birthday public holiday. However, those in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia will not have a public holiday in October at all.
Queensland uniquely celebrates the King’s Birthday in October, having shifted the date from June in an effort to better distribute public holidays throughout the year. The alteration was formalised through amendments to the Holidays Act 1983, enacted in 2015. Conversely, Western Australia also observes the King’s Birthday at different times, with some areas celebrating it in September.
While Victorians won’t enjoy the October long weekend, they will have an extra day off on Friday, September 26, prior to the AFL Grand Final, taking place on Saturday, September 27.
For those in South Australia, NSW, Queensland, and the ACT, there’s an opportunity to extend their break. By strategically planning their annual leave, workers can secure a total of nine consecutive days off by taking just four days of leave. This can be achieved by requesting time off from Saturday, October 4, until the following Sunday, October 12.
In summary, while the October long weekend will bring relaxation to many Australians, not everyone will enjoy the same privileges, highlighting the regional differences in public holiday observances across the country.