ANDREW Barr and Mick Gentleman have introduced amendments to the Holidays Act 1958 that will see Easter Sunday become an official public holiday in the ACT alongside public holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

“A clear work/life balance is crucial to protect the precious time we have with families and friends,” Andrew said.

This move appropriately recognises the costs of having to work outside the traditional, Monday to Friday working week.

“The ACT Government is working to improve conditions of all working Canberrans – seeking to protect workers and create jobs in the capital in spite of the continued efforts of the Federal Government to strip away the rights of workers. It is only fair that those workers who give up time with their family on Easter Sunday are appropriately compensated, as they would be on any other public holiday.

Mick Gentleman said the introduction of an Easter Sunday public holiday was a win for all those that have to work over the long weekend – including our own emergency services personal and healthcare workers, but also those in the retail and hospitality industry.

“The ACT Government values the members of our community who work on weekends. Their contributions are integral to the growing value of our visitor economy and making Canberra the lively, cosmopolitan city that it has become,” Mick said.

“By legislating to make Easter Sunday a public holiday the Government is ensuring that the Territory’s industrial relations system stays in step with contemporary work practices.

“Declaring Easter Sunday a public holiday will mean that holiday penalty rates and other entitlements under the applicable enterprise agreements will apply. The amendment Bill introduced today, also means the new public holiday arrangements will be in place for Easter Sunday next year, which is to be observed on 26 March 2016.

“Making Easter Sunday a public holiday is consistent with current NSW practice and will mean the ACT observes between 13 and 15 public holidays per year.”

The Victorian and New South Wales Government’s have already gazetted Easter Sunday as a public holiday in 2016 as well.