How a Matildas public holiday would work in Victoria

A decision looms on whether Victoria will get a day off to celebrate a Matildas World Cup win – here’s everything you need to know.

A throwaway line from the Prime Minister has led to Australians begging for a public holiday if the Matildas win the World Cup.

Marching into the semi-finals after Saturday’s glorious win, the Tillies have progressed further than any Australian football team ever has in a World Cup.

With the trophy within reach for the first time ever, many Aussies are keen for a public holiday to commemorate our golden girls.

After Prime Minister Albanese mentioned he would get behind such a holiday, the idea has taken on a life of its own – but ultimately, it would not be his call.

Here is what we know:

Who decides if we get a public holiday?

The decision to call a public holiday is up to the individual states and their premiers.

While the Prime Minister has thrown his support behind the idea, the power to action the day rests with the premiers.

Matildas Fans pack into the FIFA Womens’ World Cup quarter-final match between Australia and France at Brisbane Stadium. Picture: Lachie Millard

What has Daniel Andrews said about it?

Unlike NSW, the Victorian Premier’s Office has not committed to the public holiday because they do not want to “jinx” the Matildas.

Sports and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the decision to pursue the celebratory day off was up to the Premier, who is set to discuss the possibility at national cabinet.

“Let’s just all focus on Wednesday night,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“Let’s cross that bridge first.”

He said Victorians should be focused on the upcoming semi-final against England and worry about a public holiday later.

The state opposition has confirmed they will not support the day off either, believing small businesses will be the ones to cop the costs.

“Somebody’s got to pay for it always and it’s the employers,” Mr Pesutto told 3AW on Monday.

When will the decision be made?

The public is likely to be informed by Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the Matildas’ clash with England.

National cabinet sits on Wednesday afternoon, where NSW Premier Chris Minns has vowed to bring up the issue – of which he is in staunch favour.

“If the Matildas win the semi-final and then win the World Cup final then yes, we’ll pursue a public holiday in NSW,” Mr Minns told Ben Fordham on 2GB.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speaks at a press conference at St Vincent's Hospital on the Park. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

When will it be?

There is no guarantee when the public holiday would be called, but Mr Minns has ruled out the Monday following the World Cup final because of mandatory processes.

“You have seven days to gazette a public holiday in NSW and obviously we want to make sure we’re in a situation where there’s enough time, particularly for young people, for young girls to come and celebrate a massive victory,” he said.

If the holiday goes ahead, it is thought it would be called within a week of the final match – Sunday August 20.

Has this happened before?

A national public holiday has only ever been unofficially called to mark sporting success.

Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke revelled in athletic prowess in 1983 when an Australian yacht won the America’s Cup boat race for the first time in 132 years.

“Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum,” Mr Hawke declared.

However Hawke’s government never made any official parliamentary declarations.

How would it impact small businesses?

While the effect of a public holiday would differ from business to business, there is concern about how small businesses would have to shoulder the cost of the day off.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia is particularly worried, with chief executive Luke Achterstraat warning a potential public holiday would come at the expense of already-struggling small businesses.

“Public holiday penalty rates of 250 per cent – not 25 per cent, but 250 per cent – are a major impost on small businesses who will need to re-evaluate whether they even viably trade on the proposed public holiday,” he said.

David Littleproud, leader of the Nationals Party, also said while he was in full support of the Matildas, a public holiday would be disadvantageous for small businesses.

Concerns have been raised for small businesses if a public holiday goes ahead. Picture: Getty Images

How would it affect hospitals?

Public holidays typically cause elective surgeries to be rescheduled, which would likely add strain on the state’s already clogged waiting list.

However, there is no guarantee surgeries would be postponed for a Matildas holiday.

The Australian Medical Association declined to comment in the absence of a confirmed public holiday.

How would it impact public transport?

If you use a full-fare myki card, then daily myki fares are capped at $7.20 on weekends and public holidays.

Fares are halved for concession card holders.

The Department of Transport declined to comment because the public holiday has not been confirmed.

What other public holidays are held for sporting events?

Only Victoria and South Australia host public holidays for sport.

Victoria holds one day off on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final and holds another for the Melbourne Cup.

The Adelaide Cup in South Australia has long since had its own public holiday, giving punters a rest on the March date since 1973.

Around the world, many countries have held parties and celebrations after winning the World Cup – including Argentina, whose success in Qatar in 2022 led to millions flocking to the streets of Buenos Aires for days.