Easter Monday is tomorrow and trading restrictions still apply in some states. Here is a quick guide for small business owners opening up on 6 April.
Easter Monday is a national public holiday, but trading restrictions vary significantly by state. Most of Australia is open for business tomorrow with fewer restrictions than earlier in the weekend. Here is what small business owners need to know before opening up.
ACT and Northern Territory Fully deregulated. No restrictions apply. Trade as normal.
New South Wales Easter Monday has no major trading restrictions in NSW. Most retailers can open, often on standard or slightly reduced hours. The day is a public holiday, so standard public holiday penalty rates apply for staff. Importantly, employees have the right to choose whether to work on a public holiday. Employers cannot pressure, harass or force staff to work. If no staff volunteer, employers can bring in casual workers to cover.
Victoria and Tasmania No major trading restrictions on Easter Monday. Standard public holiday conditions apply for staff.
Queensland Restricted to 9am to 6pm for non-exempt retailers. Exempt shops including chemists, fruit and vegetable stores, service stations and butcher shops can trade unrestricted. Check the Queensland Government website to confirm your category.
South Australia Restricted to Adelaide CBD, Metro and Glenelg areas only, and only until 5pm. Businesses outside those areas should check local rules before opening.
Western Australia Perth metro general retail is restricted to 8am to 6pm. Small and special retail shops can trade in accordance with their classification, which may allow more flexibility.
A note on staff and penalty rates
Easter Monday is a national public holiday under the National Employment Standards, which apply to all employees covered by the workplace relations system. Employees are entitled to penalty rates for working on a public holiday. Check your relevant award or enterprise agreement for the applicable rate. Employees also have the right to reasonably refuse to work on a public holiday. If you are unsure of your obligations, the Fair Work Ombudsman is the right starting point.
In most states that regulate trading hours, small businesses are generally exempt from restrictions. In NSW, shops with four or fewer employees are broadly exempt. Rules vary by state and retailer type, so if you are unsure whether your business is exempt, check with your relevant state authority before trading.
Source: Australian Retail Council 2026, NSW Small Business Commissioner, NSW Government, Fair Work Ombudsman.
Michele Wiers
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