Public Holidays and Restricted Trading

Written By Venture Melton

Easter and Anzac are fast approaching, so it’s important to understand your obligations related to public holidays and restricted trading.

 Public Holidays

A complete list of the 2025 Public Holidays for Victoria can be found at the Business Victoria Website. The site also includes the 2026 dates to help you plan ahead.

 Restricted Trading

Under Victorian law there are two-and-a-half restricted trading days each year:

  • Good Friday

  • Christmas Day

  • ANZAC Day between 12.01am and 1pm.

On these days, only exempt shops are permitted to open.

Exemptions apply to shops such as chemists, petrol stations, restaurants and cafés. There are also exemptions dependent on the number of employees that you have.

 Head to the Business Victoria Website to confirm whether your business can trade.

 Paying your staff

So now you’re aware of which days are public holidays and whether you can trade.

You also need to ensure that you are paying your staff correctly for these days.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has prepared a guide to rules and entitlements during the end of year holiday season, covering items such as shutdown periods, annual leave, employees required to work on public holidays and even employees who don’t work.

Head to the Fair Work Ombudsman website to learn more.

 

Venture Melton
Next

Thats a Wrap! Melton Night Markets.