Boxing Day declared a public holiday, gifting workers extra penalty rates

Thousands of workers across the Territory have been given an early Christmas gift after the government declared an extra public holiday. SEE WHEN.

BOXING Day has been declared a public holiday in the Northern Territory, with thousands of workers taking home extra penalty rates as a surprise Christmas gift.

But it will also mean higher operating costs for businesses which stay open, and could mean others opt to stay shut.

Under Territory legislation, if Boxing Day falls on a weekend, the following Monday is designated a public holiday instead.

The NT News can reveal the government has this year decided to deem December 26 an additional public holiday, with Public Employment Minister Paul Kirby saying it should be treated as a reward to hardworking staff.

“Whether it be police out on our borders, nurses in our hospitals, or restaurants staff serving up takeaways in the midst of a lockdown, I want to thank all of the hardworking frontline staff who have turned up day in, day out during the pandemic,” Mr Kirby said.

“Our hardworking frontline staff have already given us so much.

Public Employment Minister Paul Kirby said the declaration would reward workers who spent their festive season working. Picture: Julianne Osborne

“This recognises that, once again, they are giving up precious family time at Christmas to keep us safe.”

The decision has been praised by the union representing retail workers, the SDA, whose NT branch secretary Josh Peak saying it would add extra festive cheer to employees.

“At one of the most expensive times of the year, this announcement will make a huge difference to our essential workers and will see thousands of dollars delivered into their pockets this Christmas.,” Mr Peak said.

“Territorians in retail, fast food, petrol stations, disability care, nursing and hospitality have done so much for us over the past two years – it’s only fair that they’re acknowledged and not short changed if they give up their time on Boxing Day.”

People rush into Big W as part of Boxing Day sales. Picture: File.

Mr Peak had previously called for an overhaul of the Northern Territory’s year-by-year declaration of a Boxing Day public holiday, saying it doesn’t give employees certainty going into the Christmas season.

Last year’s Boxing Day, which fell on a Saturday, was also deemed a public holiday by the NT government.

At the time, the hospitality sector and Chamber of Commerce criticised the move as harmful for businesses.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said in November last year that the extra public holiday would increase the cost of business for many restaurants and cafes.

The Chamber of Commerce speculated that the decision would lead to higher surcharges on purchases so employees could pay for the increased cost of labour.

But some businesses indicated they would wear the cost to stay open.

Originally published as Boxing Day declared a public holiday, gifting workers extra penalty rates