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Australians will get a one-off public holiday as a national day of mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced.
Appearing on the ABC’s Insiders on Sunday morning, Albanese said Thursday 22 September, which coincides with a memorial service for the Queen, would be a national public holiday.
“It will be a one-off national public holiday to allow people to pay their respects for the passing of Queen Elizabeth,” Albanese said.
“I spoke to all premiers and chief ministers yesterday and I’m writing to them formally this morning, they will have received their letters by now. They have all agreed that it’s appropriate that it be a one-off national public holiday.”
The day of mourning will include a ceremony in Canberra and be held after her funeral in London, on 19 September.
The day off will mean Victorians enjoy a four-day weekend, as the Friday before the AFL grand final is also a public holiday.
The prime minister and the governor general, David Hurley, will travel to London for her majesty’s funeral on Wednesday and stay for the week.
