Public Holidays for 2026
UPDATE: The NSW Government announced on 15 February 2026 that when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, an additional public holiday will apply on the following Monday for 2026 and 2027.
UPDATE: The NSW Government announced on 15 February 2026 that when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, an additional public holiday will apply on the following Monday for 2026 and 2027.
From December 1, Victorian employers will be working under a new set of rules that treat psychological health the same way as physical safety. The updated Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations mean employers must now actively identify, manage and review psychosocial risks in their workplaces, not just respond when something goes wrong.
Australia has taken an important step for grieving families with the introduction of Priya’s Law, an amendment to the Fair Work Act 2009, which applies from 7th November 2025. The law ensures that parents who experience a stillbirth or the death of a newborn are protected if they have approved paid parental leave (outside of the Services Australia funded leave). Previously, some employers could revoke leave in these tragic circumstances.
Here we are – November 2025! It’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to plan for your employees over Christmas and New Year. Managing public holidays, shutdown periods, and employee entitlements can feel tricky, especially when it comes to setting the right dates, understanding annual leave loading, and handling requests for employees to work on public holidays.
The festive season is fast approaching, and now is the time to plan your seasonal workforce. Casual employees provide flexibility to meet increased demand without committing to ongoing employment. While casuals are ideal for seasonal roles, employers must follow Fair Work rules, modern awards, and state or territory laws to ensure compliance. Proper contracts, clear expectations, accurate pay, and safety training are essential to avoid disputes and keep your business running smoothly.
A number of legal and policy changes are coming into effect over the next few months. To help you stay informed and ahead of the curve, we’ve summarised key developments below.
New minimum pay rates take effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. This means the new rates do not apply from 1 July itself unless your pay period starts on that date.
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has released its Annual Wage Review 2024–25 decision, confirming increases to the national minimum wage and modern award minimum wages. These changes will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025.
As we head into the middle of 2025, there are several important employment law changes already in motion – and more just around the corner. From changes to employee rights to upcoming wage increases, here’s what you need to know.