When a public holiday falls on a weekend in Australia, the rules for substitute days vary by state, by award, and by whether the employee would normally work on that day. There is no single national rule — each state and territory applies its own approach, and many awards add their own provisions.
This guide covers substitute day rules across all Australian states and territories, explains how awards interact with state legislation, and helps you handle the 2026 public holidays that fall on weekends.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Substitute day rules vary by state and territory — there is no national standard
- Some states automatically substitute the following Monday; others leave it to the employer
- Awards may provide additional substitute day entitlements
- ANZAC Day and Boxing Day 2026 fall on weekends — check your state’s rules
- Employees who work on a public holiday receive penalty rates regardless of the day
2026 Public Holidays Falling on Weekends
The 2026 calendar creates several weekend public holiday situations:
| Holiday | Date | Day | Affected States |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZAC Day | 25 April | Saturday | All states |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday | All states |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday | No issue |
ANZAC Day and Boxing Day both fall on Saturdays in 2026, requiring substitute day consideration in every state.
Substitute Day Rules by State
New South Wales
- ANZAC Day: When it falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is a public holiday
- Boxing Day: When it falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is a public holiday
- Both substitutes are automatic under NSW legislation
Victoria
- ANZAC Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Boxing Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Victoria provides automatic substitution for both
Queensland
- ANZAC Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Boxing Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Queensland provides automatic substitution
South Australia
- ANZAC Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Boxing Day: Substitute Monday is observed (Proclamation Day on 26 December shifts if needed)
- SA provides automatic substitution
Western Australia
- ANZAC Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Boxing Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- WA provides automatic substitution
Tasmania
- ANZAC Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Boxing Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Tasmania provides automatic substitution
Australian Capital Territory
- ANZAC Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Boxing Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- ACT provides automatic substitution
Northern Territory
- ANZAC Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- Boxing Day: Substitute Monday is observed
- NT provides automatic substitution
Award Provisions
Even where state legislation provides for substitute days, awards may add further entitlements:
Common Award Provisions
| Award | Substitute Day Rule |
|---|---|
| Retail Award | Substitute day if public holiday falls on non-working day |
| Hospitality Award | Substitute day for full-time and part-time employees |
| Health Professionals Award | Substitute day per state legislation |
| Clerks Award | Substitute day per state legislation |
Enterprise Agreements
Enterprise agreements may provide more generous substitute day provisions than the award or legislation. Check your specific agreement.
Employee Entitlements on Substitute Days
Working on a Substitute Day
If an employee works on a substitute Monday (which is treated as a public holiday), they receive the same penalty rates as for any other public holiday:
- 150-250% of ordinary rate depending on the award
- Casual loading does not apply to the penalty rate calculation
Not Working on a Substitute Day
If the employee does not work on the substitute Monday, they receive a paid day off (if the public holiday falls on an ordinary working day).
Public Holiday Falls on a Non-Working Day
If the original public holiday (e.g., Saturday) is not a day the employee normally works, the employee is not entitled to a paid day off for the Saturday itself. However, the substitute Monday (if it is a working day) entitles them to a paid day off.
Common Mistakes
Not Applying State Substitution Rules
Some employers are unaware that automatic substitution applies in their state. If you don’t grant the substitute Monday, you may be underpaying employees.
Confusing State and Award Rules
State legislation and awards both provide substitute day rules, but they may differ. The more generous provision applies.
Not Communicating the Substitute Day
If employees don’t know about the substitute Monday, they may come to work expecting a normal day. Communicate the calendar clearly.
Treating Casual Employees Differently
Casual employees may not be entitled to a paid day off on a substitute Monday (depending on the award), but they are entitled to penalty rates if they work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a national substitute day rule in Australia?
No. Each state and territory sets its own substitute day rules. In practice, most states automatically substitute the following Monday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday.
What if the substitute Monday is already a public holiday?
If the substitute Monday conflicts with another public holiday, the state government typically designates an alternative day. Check the official state calendar.
Do casual employees get the substitute Monday off?
Casual employees are not automatically entitled to a paid day off on a substitute Monday, but if they work on that day, they receive public holiday penalty rates.
Does my award provide a substitute day?
Check your specific award. Many awards provide for substitute days, but the entitlement varies. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes award-specific information.
Can an employer refuse to grant a substitute day?
Where state legislation provides automatic substitution, the employer must observe it. Where substitution is an award provision, the employer must follow the award.