Public Holiday Policy
This Public Holiday Policy can be used to clarify how public holidays interact with working days, non-working days and leave. This Policy also lets employees raise the possibility of leave or time off on religious or cultural holidays that do not fall on a public holiday.
Last updated October 23, 2025
Suitable for Australia
Browse our 500+ legal documents
Browse our 500+ legal documents
Manage documents, agreements and a lot more from one central place. Just log in and find everything ready to go.
Collaborate with e-Sign and Sharing
Collaborate with e-Sign and Sharing
Having access to your legal documents has never been easier. You can request e-signature, share the document and download for an efficient collaboration.
Instantly review any legal document
Instantly review any legal document
Upload your document, ask contract AI, and watch those burning questions transform into crystal-clear answers. Because brilliant decisions shouldn't keep you waiting.
How to create a legal document
- check_circle
Access the Document Library
- check_circle
Select the template that matches your needs
- check_circle
Customise by adding or removing clauses with assistance from Lawpath AI
- check_circle
Personalise with your headers, footers, logos, or additional text
- check_circle
Store all documents securely in your account for easy access
Frequently asked questions
Use this Policy if:
- You want to provide clarity around how public holidays interact with working days, non-working days and leave;
- You need to protect your Company from unnecessary disputes regarding non-payment for a public holiday, where an employee is not entitled to payment;
- You want employees to feel comfortable requesting time off to observe religious or cultural holidays which may not fall on a public holiday; and
- You need to clarify the payroll process for public holidays.
What does this Policy cover?
- Interaction of public holidays with a non-working day;
- Interaction of public holidays with a day of paid leave;
- Working on public holidays;
- Requesting time off to observe a religious or cultural holiday that does not fall on a public holiday; and
- Payroll process for public holidays.
Further information:
View Sample Public Holiday Policy
The Legal Risk Score of a Public Holiday Policy Template is Low
Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:
- There is a risk associated with the lack of clarity on how the company handles public holidays that coincide with other types of leave, such as unpaid parental leave or long service leave, which might lead to misunderstandings or disputes about entitlements.
- The document does not specify how much advance notice will be provided if an employee is required to work on a public holiday, which could result in personal inconveniences or scheduling conflicts for employees.
- The policy allows for the possibility to consider requests for leave on religious or cultural holidays that do not align with public holidays, but it is subject to operational requirements, potentially leaving such requests unfulfilled.
Articles about Public Holiday Policy
Is It Legal to Open My Business on Public Holidays?
Do you know whether your business can open on public holidays? Find out more about restricted trading hours here.
A Shifted Focus to Well-being in the Workplace
2015 was a year that saw change in the mentality of Australians in the workplace, representing a shift in attitudes towards workplace flexibility.
Returning to Work: Business Resources
The green light has been given for businesses to reopen, but adjustments will have to be made. Find policies, documents, and articles on our resources page.
Mental Health Day Off: Can Employees Take It?
Are you planning to incorporate a mental health day off in your employment policy? Read about it in our latest post.
When To Pay Employees Penalty Rates?: What You Need to Know
As an employer, have you ever wondered when to pay employees penalty rates? Read this article to find out.
Casual vs Fixed-Term Contracts for Christmas Staff
Looking to hire Christmas casuals over the festive period? Read our guide on whether employees should be hired under a casual or fixed-term contract.
How to Build a Culture of Empathy: 5 Wellbeing Leave Options to Consider
Discover 5 essential wellbeing leave options that boost productivity, strengthen culture, and position your organisation as an employer of choice.
What is Long Service Leave in the Australian Capital Territory
Interested in taking some time off work? Here's what you need to know about long service leave in the Australian Capital Territory.
Guide to Employing Christmas Casual Staff
Thinking of hiring Christmas Casual Staff? Here's a guide on how to do so.
Looking for more documents?
Employment Agreement (Casual)
This Employment Agreement (Casual) is suitable for casual employees in any industry. This agreement is essential when hiring new casual employees for your business.
Contractor Agreement (Individual)
The Contractor Agreement (Individual) allows you to hire a contractor that is an individual (ie. not a company).
Shareholders Agreement
A Shareholders Agreement allows you to clarify the relationship between shareholders of your company.
Full Time Employment Agreement
This Full Time Employment Agreement covers everything you need when hiring a new full time employee. It is applicable to any industry in Australia.
Consultancy Agreement (Pro-Supplier)
A Consultancy Agreement (Pro-Supplier) can be used if you provide consultancy services or engage consultancy services from another entity. This version of the Consultancy Agreement is drafted in favour of the supplier, from a commercial and legal perspective.
Website Terms and Conditions of Use (Goods)
This Website Terms And Conditions of Use (Goods) outlines the rules people must follow when using your website. It includes protection for your IP, disclaimers to limit your liability and makes you compliant with Australian law.
Contractor Agreement (Company)
A Contractor Agreement (Company) allows you to engage a contractor that is a company.
Internship Agreement
An Internship Agreement is used when hiring an unpaid intern for your business.