Australia's reputation as the home of the laid-back lifestyle is under threat, with new data revealing a stark decline in the nation's work-life balance. Once celebrated for pioneering the 40-hour work week, the country now finds itself lagging behind much of the developed world when it comes to time for rest and recreation.
Australia's Global Ranking on Work-Life Balance
According to the most recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australia holds an unenviable position of 27th out of 37 OECD countries for work-life balance in 2024. This places the nation behind comparable countries like Canada and the United Kingdom.
The statistics paint a clear picture of overwork. More than one in ten Australians are working 50 hours or more each week in their main job. When it comes to daily leisure time, Australia ranks 21st out of 30 countries, sitting below New Zealand and only marginally ahead of the United States.
The Public Holiday Solution
While debates continue around a four-day work week and increasing annual leave, there is a simpler and more immediate solution: increasing the number of public holidays. Australia currently ranks a dismal equal 40th out of 42 comparable countries for national public holidays.
The situation varies across states and territories. A recent review in Western Australia highlighted that New South Wales has the fewest state-wide public holidays in the country, with just 11. While Tasmania also has 11, its additional regional holidays mean NSW effectively sits at the bottom of the national list.
Opposition from business groups is often cited, but state governments are already demonstrating that more public holidays are feasible. Victoria successfully introduced two new public holidays in 2015 without negative economic consequences. Western Australia is now following this lead by creating two additional holidays to keep pace with other states.
A Fast-Track Path to More Time Off
The most compelling aspect of this solution is its speed of implementation. State and territory governments possess the power to declare public holidays with just a week's notice through the government gazette, bypassing lengthy legislative processes.
This mechanism was successfully used for the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, proving that swift action is possible. Public policy expert Osmond Chiu, with nearly two decades of experience across the trade union movement and public service, suggests piloting more public holidays as a practical test before making them permanent.
This approach offers a straightforward way to enhance community wellbeing, boost morale, and reinforce that rest is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all Australians.
