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Victoria admits 'mistake', reinstates Christmas Day public holiday Victoria admits 'mistake', reinstates Christmas Day public holiday
(35 minutes later)
Victoria has reversed its decision not to declare Christmas Day a public holiday, bringing it into line with the other states and territories.Victoria was the only state not to declare 25 December, which falls on a Sunday, as a public holiday, but the government changed its mind on Friday, meaning there will be three public holidays from 25 to 27 December.Victoria has reversed its decision not to declare Christmas Day a public holiday, bringing it into line with the other states and territories.Victoria was the only state not to declare 25 December, which falls on a Sunday, as a public holiday, but the government changed its mind on Friday, meaning there will be three public holidays from 25 to 27 December.
Now workers will get penalty rates and the right to expect a day off in lieu for all three.
The small business minister, Philip Dalidakis, had come under fire from unions and some Labor party colleagues for the initial decision.The small business minister, Philip Dalidakis, had come under fire from unions and some Labor party colleagues for the initial decision.
“Obviously I’ve taken the last few weeks to consider the position that I originally made in February,” he said on Friday.“Obviously I’ve taken the last few weeks to consider the position that I originally made in February,” he said on Friday.
“I wish I was right all the time but the only person that’s right all the time is my wife in my household.“I wish I was right all the time but the only person that’s right all the time is my wife in my household.
“I think it’s important that when you make a mistake, you put your hand up, acknowledge it and get on with life.”“I think it’s important that when you make a mistake, you put your hand up, acknowledge it and get on with life.”
Trading restrictions will remain in place on Christmas Day, but not on the substitute public holiday, Tuesday 27 December.Trading restrictions will remain in place on Christmas Day, but not on the substitute public holiday, Tuesday 27 December.
“Christmas is not like any other day,” Dalidakis said. “It is a special day for many Victorians and a day to spend more time with family and friends.”“Christmas is not like any other day,” Dalidakis said. “It is a special day for many Victorians and a day to spend more time with family and friends.”
He said the public holiday, which takes Victoria’s total to 14 this year, would cost the public and private sectors about $35m. But the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it was more like $100m.
“Adding yet another public holiday at this short notice is not only inconsistent but a slap in the face for many business owners and operators who have already paid out thousands to pay for two extra public holidays this year,” chief executive Mark Stone said.
Victoria also declared extra public holidays on Easter Sunday and AFL grand final eve.The secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, Michael Donovan, was delighted at the change.
“Our members have campaigned very hard to make the government change its mind,” he said.