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Back in January, there was a buzz of speculation, and by February 15, it was officially confirmed. However, Paul Brunton, the Electrical Director at PCB, expressed concerns to 2GB about the lack of preparation time he was afforded for this announcement.
Brunton is facing a dual challenge: not only is there a risk of losing business, but he is also set to incur significant additional costs. He is obligated to compensate his employees at triple their usual rate for the jobs that have been scheduled for that specific day.
Speaking to the radio station, he explained, “We have 16 staff who must work on that day because we serve industries like food processing, timber mills, quarries, mining, and water. These operations cannot simply pause for a day.”
He further elaborated, “These factories need to continue running, which means our team has to be on the ground to ensure everything keeps flowing smoothly. According to our employment terms, they will receive their regular daily pay, an additional public holiday pay, and then double time for working during a public holiday.”
“So under our award, they’ll get paid their normal day, their normal public holiday and then they get paid double time to work a public holiday.”
All up, it will cost Brunton $23,000.
Even if he gives everyone the day off, he said it will cost him $12,500.
Brunton has sent the premier an invoice for the amount and requested payment.
“Dear Chris, we refer to the additional public holiday that was announced in connection with Anzac Day, as this additional day was not included in our original project allowances or costs,” he wrote in a letter to Minns.
“PCB Electrical has issued an invoice to your office for the additional labour costs.
“Could you please confirm when payment can be expected?”
Minns’ office has declined to comment. 
The state will have the additional public holidays on Monday this year and next year to account for Anzac Day falling on a weekend.
The move received support from the RSL.
“RSL NSW’s primary concern is that the sanctity and significance of Anzac Day is protected, and we welcome Premier Minns’ assurance that Anzac Day itself will remain the central focus of national commemoration, observed with the respect and reflection it deserves,” Acting President RSL NSW Vince Williams said. 
Brunton said he will increase his hourly rate next year to cover the cost of the public holiday.
“I’m not arguing against a public holiday, but we were given four months’ notice, so we never budgeted for this in our costings,” he said. 
After the additional public holiday next year, the government will review whether there should be a permanent change to Anzac Day public holiday arrangements when the day falls on a weekend, whether the state should have an extra public holiday, and whether there should be more days off.
“This review will look at whether the balance is right for workers, families and businesses, and whether there is a case for change going forward,” Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said.
Western Australia and the ACT give their residents Monday off if Anzac Day falls on the weekend, while Queensland and the Northern Territory only give people an extra day if it falls on a Sunday.
Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania do not provide a make-up public holiday if April 25 falls on a weekend.
NSW and Tasmania have the fewest public holidays in the country with 11 compared to 14 or 15 days off elsewhere in Australia.
Both states only have 11 days off each year, compared to 15 in South Australia and the Northern Territory and 14 in Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
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