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Christmas Eve set to become a public holiday in Queensland as soon as the clock strikes 6pm.

The change would ensure workers either get paid more to work the night before Christmas, or they get the night off to spend with family and friends, the Sunday Mail reported.

The move would mean a worker under a retail award would pocket an extra $124 for working that evening.

Fast food workers would take home an extra $157 for the night, according to the government.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the night before Christmas is as important to families as the day itself.

‘It would ensure workers have the right to have Christmas Eve off as a public holiday just as they do for Christmas Day,’ she said.

She said making it a public holiday would give workers in essential services, such as nurses and hospitality workers, better pay for their time.

Queensland follows in the footsteps of South Australia and the Northern Territory, where from 7pm Christmas Eve becomes a pubic holiday.

The Queensland government plans to legislate the proposal in time for Christmas eve this year.

Should this be a national holiday?

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  • I really think that all day Christmas Eve should be a public holiday.
    It would certainly help with people wanting to travel to family

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  • This is really great for those families that celebrate on Christmas Eve :)

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  • Great for those who have to work Christmas Eve

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  • Come on NSW gov such a great family idea

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  • I still find it staggering that one country has better conditions dependent upon the state you live in. Things like this should be a level playing field across the country as a whole.

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  • I always feel sorry for people having to work later on Christmas Eve and think they should be paid accordingly. Lots of businesses close early so not many would be affected but fair to those who are.

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  • I can’t really see the benefit of this? Most things shut early on Christmas Eve anyway. Won’t effect us here in Melbourne but… not fussed either way.

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  • Yes it should most definitely, it should be spent with your loved ones.

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  • This should already be a thing. People should be with their families on Christmas Eve.

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  • Most businesses (except retail) shut early on Christmas Eve.

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  • Yes. Christmas Eve is such a busy time for families with the lead up to the big day. I think it’s good they should have that time for themselves too!

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  • That’s good but how bout make Boxing Day last it used to shops to be opening that means the sales start the day after Boxing Day and give families time to spend together its stupid that the shops are open

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  • That’s great news!

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  • Yes I agree with this. In the Netherlands (and I assume in many other countries) this is already common practice for many years.

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  • it is retail and food services busiest and hardest time of the year, they should be rewarded and the emergency services should also get a huge pay rise!

    Reply

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