As millions of Australians prepare for a well-deserved break over the Easter and Anzac Day period, one state is offering an extra day off: Easter Tuesday. Public sector workers in Tasmania are among those fortunate enough to enjoy this additional holiday, with government offices, schools, universities, and some businesses closing on April 22.
The Easter Tuesday holiday in Tasmania is the result of a state-specific arrangement negotiated as part of wage agreements for the Tasmanian State Service. A spokesperson for WorkSafe Tasmania confirmed this to Yahoo Finance, explaining that while the holiday is not generally observed by the private sector, it is granted to employees who have negotiated it as part of their awards or agreements.
“This arrangement was part of a state-won deal,” the spokesperson said. “Easter Tuesday is observed by public sector employees and those whose awards or agreements specify the entitlement.”
The Broader Holiday Landscape Across Australia
While Tasmania stands out for observing Easter Tuesday, other states and territories across Australia follow a more standardized public holiday schedule during Easter. Most regions observe the traditional public holidays for Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday, though some variations exist.
In the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria, public holidays are as follows:
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Friday, April 18: Good Friday
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Saturday, April 19: Easter Saturday
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Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday
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Monday, April 21: Easter Monday
Western Australia, however, follows a slightly different pattern:
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Friday, April 18: Good Friday
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Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday
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Monday, April 21: Easter Monday
A Shift in Public Sector Trends
As of 2025, Tasmania’s public sector workforce consists of approximately 65,400 employees, the second-lowest number in the country, behind the Northern Territory. However, for those in the Tasmanian public sector, the Easter Tuesday holiday offers a rare and welcomed break.
Across Australia, public holidays vary by state. Victoria and the ACT both hold 13 public holidays each year, the highest number in the country. Victoria’s public holiday lineup includes events like the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup, and Labour Day, while the ACT celebrates Canberra Day, Reconciliation Day, and Labour Day.
In contrast, South Australia observes 12 public holidays, in addition to two half-days for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. New South Wales and Western Australia have the fewest public holidays, with just 11 each.
What Does This Mean for Australians?
The distribution of public holidays across the nation reflects both regional customs and specific state laws. For those in Tasmania, Easter Tuesday offers a much-needed extra day off, while elsewhere, Australians will enjoy the standard Easter holidays before gearing up for Anzac Day.
With both Easter and Anzac Day aligning closely this year, many workers will benefit from an extended break, adding to the seasonal spirit of rest and reflection.
