Victoria Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher

Regional Melbourne Cup Day Holiday Act Passes Parliament

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher has welcomed the successful passage of the Public Holidays Amendment Bill 2011 through the Legislative Council yesterday.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has honoured its election commitment to allow regional Victorian Councils the flexibility to request the half day, full day or part-shire public holiday arrangements in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day that best suit their local communities.” Ms. Asher said.

“This is a big win for country Victoria and another example of the Coalition Government listening to and acting on behalf of regional Victoria.”

“In 2008 Labor imposed a restrictive ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to the substitute Melbourne Cup Day holiday which disallowed half-day or part-shire arrangements; an out-of-touch decision which meant that many half-day events such as agricultural and pastoral shows and regional race days suffered.” Ms. Asher said.

The amended Public Holidays Act 1993 prescribes the information councils must provide to nominate substitute public holiday arrangements in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day. Councils are required to:

• Make their request in writing to the Minister for Small Business at least 90 days prior to Melbourne Cup Day by 1 August in 2011;

• Specify arrangements for a full-day holiday or two half-day holidays in a particular year;

• Specify whether these arrangements will apply in all or parts of their municipality;  

• Provide the reason for the requested arrangements.

Ms. Asher said a half-day holiday on Melbourne Cup Day can be nominated as one of two half-day holidays, or a council may choose to observe Melbourne Cup Day in its entirety.

Councils cannot nominate a Saturday or a Sunday in their request.

“All Victorians will continue to enjoy the same number of public holidays each year, regardless of whether they live in regional Victorian or in metropolitan Melbourne.” Ms. Asher said.

“Many country councils have already commenced consultation with their communities to determine their preferred holiday arrangements. Early consultations will ensure councils are ready in time for the 1 August 2011 notice period.”

Non-metropolitan public holidays are declared in accordance with the Public Holidays Act 1993 and details published in the Victorian Government Gazette and on business.vic.gov.au throughout the year.