Paid annual leave and public holidays in New South Wales (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Employees in the national system get 4 weeks of paid annual leave a year, with an extra week for some shiftworkers. A public holiday that falls during annual leave is not counted as leave. The number of public holidays is not given here.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum paid leave a year (weeks)Full-time employee; NSW private-sector employees (national system)4 weeks [1]
Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee; NSW private-sector employees (national system)Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks of paid annual leave a year, based on their ordinary hours of work. Shiftworkers get more than 4 weeks if their award or enterprise agreement provides the extra week under the National Employment Standards. Casual employees do not get paid annual leave. [2]
National public holidays a yearFull-time employee; NSW private-sector employees (national system)12 days [3]
Public holidays and annual leaveFull-time employee; NSW private-sector employees (national system)Not counted as leave days [4]

Notes

  • The national system covers NSW private-enterprise employees. NSW state public sector and local government employees are outside it and were not read.
  • Counted from the official 2026 list: 11 days plus the additional day on Monday 28 December. Anzac Day falls on a Saturday with no substitute day. Local public holidays and local event days are not counted. The number changes from year to year.
  • This applies to the National Employment Standards minimum. It may not apply where the leave granted is above the NES minimum.

Sources

  1. Fair Work Commission: National Employment Standards | Fair Work Commission (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Fair Work Ombudsman: Annual leave - Fair Work Ombudsman (Internet Archive snapshot of 13 October 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. NSW Government: 2024, 2025 and 2026 NSW Public Holidays (PDF) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Fair Work Ombudsman: Not working on public holidays - Fair Work Ombudsman (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 April 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Return and Earn · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Auto-opening knives prohibited
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Cradle only, touch limited; L/P: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.