Paid annual leave and public holidays in Victoria (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.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum paid leave a year (weeks)Full-time employee | 4 weeks [1] |
| Minimum paid leave as the law states itFull-time employee | 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 | 14 days [3] |
| Public holidays and annual leaveFull-time employee | Not counted as leave days [4] |
Notes
- The national system covers all Victorian employees except some in the state public sector (executive and higher managerial levels, and law enforcement officers), who were not read.
- Counted from the official 2026 list, which includes the Saturday before Easter Sunday, the Friday before the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Day and the additional Boxing Day holiday on Monday 28 December. Anzac Day (Saturday) has no replacement day. Some non-metropolitan councils swap Melbourne Cup Day for a local holiday. 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
- Fair Work Commission: National Employment Standards | Fair Work Commission (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Annual leave - Fair Work Ombudsman (Internet Archive snapshot of 13 October 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
- Business Victoria: Public holidays in Victoria for 2026 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2 October 2026) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources
- 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 Victoria
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · 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, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
- Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly 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: Mounted/built-in only; 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: One per level, plus by bedrooms
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 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: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.