Victoria will observe Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 as a public holiday in addition to the public holiday set to be observed on Tuesday, December 27.
Previously in Victoria, when Christmas Day fell on a weekend, the public holiday was declared for the next available weekday. The new move brings the state in line with other states and territories. While trading restrictions apply on Christmas Day, they will not be substituted to December 27.
“I’ve had time to consider how the existing arrangements unfairly affect those Victorians required to work on Christmas Day when it falls on a weekend – that’s why I’m making this change,” Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis said. “Christmas Day is not like any other day, it is a special day for many Victorians and it is a day to spend more time with family and friends.”
December 25, 26 and 27 are public holidays across all states and territories. In addition, South Australia has a limited public holiday on December 24, from 7pm to midnight.