For small business owners, the Easter holidays can sometimes be a period of confusion. There is often a lack of time, disruption to day to day processes and increased uncertainty around cash flow.

While many workers will be enjoying some well-earned time off, for small business owners it can be exactly the opposite.

A survey of small business owners from freelance talent marketplace Upwork showed that more than 90 percent often plan to pick up additional work over the holidays, 70 percent plan to work longer hours and 53 percent will take work home with them.

So, to help you stay on top of what you need to know, we’ve compiled a state-by-state list of holiday dates and restricted trading hours over this Easter holiday period.

New South Wales

All four days over Easter are a public holiday in New South Wales. Holiday pay entitlements are required to be paid to staff working any day from Friday through to Monday. Good Friday is a day of restricted trade but it is possible to get an exemption if your business holds a hotel license, is in an exempt area or is a small shop.

Read more about restricted shop trading in NSW

Victoria

All four days over Easter area also a public holiday in Victoria. Holiday pay rates are also required to be paid to staff working any of the four days. ‘Exempt companies’ are able to trade, with the business needing to have 20 or less staff working at any given time and a 100 or fewer people working in the seven-day lead up to Good Friday. Petrol stations, cafes, chemists and takeaways stores are also exempt.

Read more about restricted shop trading in Victoria

Queensland

This year is the first year that Queensland will take Easter Sunday as a holiday, meaning all four days over Easter are a public holiday. Trading restrictions are in place depending on your type of business.

Read more about restricted shop trading in Queensland

ACT

All four days over Easter area also a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory. However, there are no trading restrictions across any of the days.

Read more about shop trading in ACT

South Australia

South Australia does not consider Easter Sunday a holiday. Business can trade depending on specific criteria, including not being in the Greater Adelaide Shopping District (GASD) or a proclaimed shopping district.

Read more about shop trading in South Australia

Tasmania

Only Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Tasmania and Easter Tuesday is a restricted public holiday that is observed by some awards/agreements and the State Public Service. To check award ring Fair Work Infoline on 131394. There is no trade restriction on Good Friday.

Western Australia

Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in WA. Trade is prohibited on Good Friday with a few exceptions.

Read more about shop trading in Western Australia

Northern Territory

All four days over Easter area also a public holiday in the Northern Territory. Closing on Good Friday is optional and there are no trading restrictions.

Apply now