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
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What is a public holiday policy?
What is a public holiday policy?
When should you use a public holiday policy?
When should you use a public holiday policy?
What should be in a public holiday policy?
What should be in a public holiday policy?
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Frequently asked questions
What is a public holiday policy?
keyboard_arrow_upWhen should you use a public holiday policy?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat should be in a public holiday policy?
keyboard_arrow_upHow does this policy protect my business from disputes?
keyboard_arrow_upCan employees request leave for non-public religious or cultural holidays?
keyboard_arrow_upDoes the policy cover what happens if a public holiday falls during leave?
keyboard_arrow_upWhat are the next steps after creating this policy?
keyboard_arrow_upView 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.
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