Queen’s National Day of Mourning: Everything to know about Australia’s new public holiday
As the world comes to terms with the Queen’s passing, Australia’s prepares for its National Day of Mourning. Here’s everything you need to know about Thursday’s public holiday.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Queen Elizabeth II has been laid to rest and Australia will begin officially commemorating the late monarch for her decades-long service.
Each Australian state is likely to pay their respects in unique ways, but there is one thing they all have in common – the new national public holiday.
Here is everything you need to know about Australia’s National Day of Mourning.
What date is the Queen’s National Day of Mourning public holiday?
The date is September 22, which falls on Thursday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained the reasons behind the date and why it was important.
Will there be a public holiday every year?
At this stage, no. While people, especially business owners, were shocked by the sudden announcement and scrambled to organise business closures, the Prime Minister declared the date was a “one-off”.
Many businesses will reopen on Friday, but new research has suggested it will be the country’s most expensive day for ‘chucking a sickie’.
Will schools be open on the public holiday?
No, schools will be closed on Thursday.
Will shops and restaurants be open on the public holiday?
In NSW, the public holiday was declared under section five of the Public Holidays Act 2010, meaning shops and retailers can trade as they would on other public holidays, such as Australia Day.
Business owners across the state have the authority to dictate their trading hours for Thursday.
What stores will be closed?
Despite concerns for business, essential services, such as hospitals and medical clinics, will remain open.
The possible closure of other retailers, including pubs and restaurants, and public services such as post offices and libraries will remain at the discretion of trade exemptions made by each jurisdiction.
Will transport be free on the public holiday?
No. Transport for NSW has confirmed that public transport will not be free on Thursday and standard rates will apply.
On Sunday, September 11, transport was free across the state network to encourage people to come and watch the proclamation of King Charles outside Parliament House in Sydney.
How will the state honour the Queen?
There will be a minute’s silence at 11am AEST on Thursday, the Commonwealth Flag Officer has confirmed.
The Australian flag will also remain at half mast until the end of the day on all government buildings across the country, while vice-regal standards will remain at full mast.
Will employers have to pay public holiday rates?
Yes, employers will have to honour the public holiday loadings that apply according to their award.
The provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 regarding working on public holidays, including penalty rates, apply on Thursday.
Why was this date chosen?
Mr Albanese gave reasons for the selection of the date, citing protocol, among other things, which had been discussed with state premiers and chief ministers.
Will double demerits apply?
Yes, double demerits will be in force, kicking in from 12:01am on Wednesday until 11:59pm on Sunday with extra police being deployed across the state. Motorists are being told that school zones do not apply on Thursday.
More Coverage
Originally published as Queen’s National Day of Mourning: Everything to know about Australia’s new public holiday
Join the conversation
Nationwide overhaul needed to fix Australia’s housing crisis
The Business Council of Australia has come out swinging on the problems it says are driving up the cost of new homes across the country.
Read more
Artist used own paintings to push case to block gold mine
Indigenous artist Nyree Reynolds, whose application led to a gold mine in Blayney being put on ice, submitted her own paintings as evidence the mine should be blocked.
Read more