What does public holiday mean?

public holiday

Public holidays are specific days recognised in the Fair Work Act 2009 and any other day or part-day declared as a holiday under state or territory laws.

Public holidays are specific days recognised by law as holidays. These include days listed in the Fair Work Act 2009, such as Christmas or Australia Day, as well as any additional holidays that individual states or territories might declare. Employees typically have the right to be absent from work on these days, with certain entitlements.

Explore more terms

Whether you're looking for definitions of other related terms or just browsing, our full list offers a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Back to Glossary

Other glossary terms

termination of employment



Termination of employment means ending the job relationship between an employee and employer. Included terms: resignation, quitting, firing and dismissal.

fixed term contract employee



A fixed-term contract employee is someone who works under an agreement that ends after a specific period, such as on a predetermined date, or season.

Fixed Term Contract Information Statement



A Fixed Term Contract Information Statement is a document with specific information about fixed-term employment, which employers must give to employees.

registered agreement



A document between an employer and their employees covering employment conditions. A registered agreement must be approved by and registered with the FWC.