Tuesday, 20 September 2022


Questions without notice and ministers statements

Ministers statements: National Day of Mourning


Ministers statements: National Day of Mourning

Ms PULFORD (Western Victoria—Minister for Employment, Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Resources) (12:06): I rise to update the house on the government’s enactment of a public holiday to acknowledge and reflect on the extraordinary life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As members are aware, the national cabinet has agreed to hold the National Day of Mourning as a one-off public holiday on Thursday, 22 September. Accordingly, I have appointed this day as a public holiday in Victoria. A notice was published in the Victoria Government Gazette on Wednesday, 14 September 2022, to give this effect.

The National Day of Mourning will be a normal trading day, with no additional trading restrictions imposed. This means that while it is a public holiday it is not a restricted trading day, like Good Friday and Christmas Day are, and trading hours are at the discretion of individual businesses. This is consistent with the AFL Grand Final Friday, Boxing Day and many of our other public holidays. Businesses choosing to operate will need to pay appropriate public holiday rates based on their industrial relations obligations. Employers and employees seeking information about their rights and responsibilities regarding public holidays should seek advice from the Fair Work ombudsman, their business peak body or their relevant union.

I am sure that all Victorians will further reflect this Thursday on the Queen’s legacy, which will no doubt be remembered for many years to come. I wish traders a successful long weekend, and I wish all Victorians safe travels as they go about the next few days.