Dates of Labour Day in Australia
| 2026 | Mar 2, Mar 9, May 4, Oct 5 |
| 2025 | Mar 3, Mar 10, May 5, Oct 6 |
| 2024 | Mar 4, Mar 11, Mar 16, May 6, Oct 7 |
Australia Holiday Calendars
Labour Day in Australia celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement, particularly the push for the eight-hour workday. The date of the holiday varies across states and territories, reflecting local historical milestones.
Labour Day: A Public Holiday?
Labour Day is a public holiday in Australia, though the date varies across states and territories. Most businesses, schools, and government offices close for the day, allowing Australians to relax or take part in local events, marches, and celebrations that honor workers' rights and contributions.
Labour Day
Labour Day in Australia has its roots in the 19th-century labor movement. It began as a campaign by workers to achieve better working conditions, especially the eight-hour workday. In the 1850s, stonemasons in Melbourne were among the first to demand "eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, and eight hours rest." Their efforts led to the successful introduction of the eight-hour workday in many trades, making Australia one of the first countries to adopt such a system.
The first Labour Day march was held in Melbourne in 1856 to celebrate this victory, and it became an annual event. Over time, other states joined the tradition, each commemorating their own milestones in the workers' rights movement. Today, Labour Day honors those early efforts and recognizes the value and rights of workers across the country.
Observance of Labour Day in Australia
Labour Day is celebrated as a public holiday across Australia, but the date varies depending on the state or territory. Most people enjoy a day off work, with schools, offices, and many businesses closed. This day provides a welcome break, often used for rest, family time, or short trips. In some cities, parades or local community events are held to mark the occasion and to remember the achievements of the labor movement.
In places like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, union groups and workers may organize marches or rallies. These gatherings often highlight ongoing issues related to workers' rights, fair wages, and working conditions. While not everyone attends these events, they remain an important part of the tradition. Some areas also host family-friendly festivals or public concerts, giving the day a celebratory feel.
Labour Day holds lasting importance in Australia. It reminds people of the efforts made to improve working conditions and the value of fair treatment in the workplace. The eight-hour day is something many take for granted now, but it was hard-won by early workers who fought for balance and respect in their lives. The holiday also encourages reflection on current labor issues, supporting continued progress in employment rights. For many Australians, Labour Day is both a celebration and a time to appreciate the freedoms and protections workers enjoy today.
Labour Day Observances
| Year | Date | Weekday | Name | Holiday Type | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mar 4 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | WA Western Australia |
| Mar 11 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | Tas Tasmania , Vic Victoria | |
| Mar 16 | Sat | Labour Day | State Holiday | CX Christmas Island | |
| May 6 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland | |
| Oct 7 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , SA South Australia | |
| 2025 | Mar 3 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | WA Western Australia |
| Mar 10 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | Tas Tasmania , Vic Victoria | |
| May 5 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland | |
| Oct 6 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , SA South Australia | |
| 2026 | Mar 2 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | WA Western Australia |
| Mar 9 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | Tas Tasmania , Vic Victoria | |
| May 4 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland | |
| Oct 5 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , SA South Australia | |
| 2027 | Mar 1 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | WA Western Australia |
| Mar 8 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | Tas Tasmania , Vic Victoria | |
| May 3 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland | |
| Oct 4 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , SA South Australia | |
| 2028 | Mar 6 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | WA Western Australia |
| Mar 13 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | Tas Tasmania , Vic Victoria | |
| May 1 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | NT Northern Territory , Qld Queensland | |
| Oct 2 | Mon | Labour Day | State Holiday | ACT Australian Capital Territory , NSW New South Wales , SA South Australia |
