- If you’re working, you are entitled to penalty rates
- Be kind to those working over the Easter holiday period
- Trading hours for Easter depend on the category of shop – check online
With cost-of-living pressures, we know every dollar counts.
While Easter gives some Queenslanders the chance for a break, there are many people who will go to work over the holiday period.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace has reminded businesses to ensure staff are getting paid what they deserve and called on Queenslanders to be kind to those working.
The Queensland Government made Easter Sunday a public holiday in 2017, adding to the long-standing public holidays for Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Monday.
Queenslanders working these days are entitled to penalty rates in accordance with their industrial award or agreement and are encouraged to check their industry award to ensure appropriate pay rates are in place.
Business owners are also reminded to ensure they are familiar with allowable retail trading hours on public holidays and obligations to workers.
There are three types of shops under trading hour laws.
Some shops (known as exempt shops in the legislation), like chemists, newsagents, cafes, restaurants, and service stations can trade without restriction 365 days of the year including all public holidays.
Smaller independent retail shops must remain closed on Good Friday except if they are a predominantly food and/or grocery store. They have unrestricted trading on the other days during the Easter period.
Non-exempt shops, which are generally large retailers such as supermarkets or department stores, must not open on Good Friday. Trading may be permitted for non-exempt shops on the other public holidays during the Easter period and the allowable hours will depend on the location or type of trading area.
Trading hours for shops can be checked at business.qld.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace:
“Easter is a fantastic time to catch up with family and friends, however there are still plenty of Queenslanders who have to work.
“It’s important to be respectful and kind to these workers and to remember, no one deserves a serve.
“The Miles Government is committed to easing cost of living pressures and one of the most immediate ways of doing that is to ensure people are being paid what they deserve.
“Thankyou to everyone who is working over Easter – you deserve your penalty rates.”
