That’s a tough one because I see all sides of the argument. When I was a ft pub servant, I would say bring it on. As a contractor now, I don’t get paid if I don’t work, and no one would sign off for me being paid overtime rates. However, I can afford the day off and would love one.

My brother runs a small business and he’d have been spewing if one was called, because his work doesn’t stop but now he has to pay pub hol rates to his workers which he can budget for when he knows where that will fall on an annual basis.

Some industries would benefit, hospo would have to pay more to their staff but would also likely see an uptick in business on the day, others not so much.

I’m all for what the greater good is, knowing it’s bound to piss someone off no matter what you do. So, having said that (and so as not to get splinters in my arse from riding fences), I’d say call the public holiday if they had gone thru to the end and won. People like me, and business owners in general, need to bank in unexpected events that result in not being paid for the day or that incur extra costs, and those on lower wages that have to work get the financial benefit. Give people the day off, give others that option to work it if pub hol rates is something they are entitled to.

More so right now than ever, people are spending the money they receive. That just goes back into the wider economy, so I can see why the idea was flirted with.