A public holiday has been confirmed in New South Wales on Thursday, September 22 as part of the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.
The day coincides with the National Memorial Service to be held in Canberra.
Shops and retailers can trade as they normally would on other public holidays such as Australia Day or New Year’s Day. This additional public holiday will not be a “restricted trading day” (such as Good Friday or ANZAC Day) under the Retail Trading Act 2008.
For banks and other financial institutions it will be a “bank close day” under the Retail Trading Act 2008.
For employers and employees the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 that deal with working on public holidays will apply.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard has instructed NSW Health to encourage all local health districts to retain as much of their planned elective surgery on September 22 as possible, subject to staff availability.
“Obviously many of us feel great sadness following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II but as Health Minister, it is my role to ensure our hospitals continue to perform necessary activity where possible, while also respecting the protocols that have been put in place to mark this special day,” Mr Hazzard said.
Surgical activity has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at various stages in recent years – with suspensions and reductions in activity.
