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ABC News
ABC News
National
Claudia Williams

Can I choose to work on Australia Day or do I have to take the public holiday?

Australia Day John Shields Fair Work Ombudsman Woolworths

Employers — from supermarkets to big corporates — are giving staff the choice to work on Australia Day, despite January 26 being a public holiday.

The move comes as companies recognise "January 26 is not a day of celebration" and are giving workers the option "out of respect for all First Nations peoples".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it is a matter between an employee and their employer.

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