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Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Vacation and Leave Policies

Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Holiday leave

Employees in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are entitled to paid annual leave as per the Fair Work Act 2009 (Australia), which is applicable to the territory.

Accrual

For every year of service, employees accumulate 4 weeks of paid annual leave.

Loading

During an employee's annual leave, a 17.5% leave loading may be paid in addition to the regular pay rate.

Flexibility

The employer and employee can flexibly agree on taking annual leave.

Part-Time Workers

Annual leave is accrued on a pro-rata basis by part-time employees.

Long Service Leave

After a long period of service with the same employer, additional leave entitlements may apply. This varies depending on industry-specific awards or agreements.

Public holidays

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a territory of Australia, observe a number of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the diverse cultural and religious influences on the islands.

New Year's Day

Celebrated on January 1st, New Year's Day marks the start of the calendar year.

Australia Day

Australia Day is observed on January 26th. It commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788.

Good Friday and Easter Monday

Good Friday and Easter Monday are Christian holidays commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection, respectively. The dates of these holidays vary each year, falling sometime in March or April.

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is commemorated on April 25th. It honors the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Act of Self Determination Day

This holiday is observed on April 6th. It marks the day when the Cocos (Keeling) Islands chose to become an Australian territory.

Queen's Birthday

The Queen's Birthday is celebrated in June, although the exact date varies. It honors the birthday of the reigning monarch.

Hari Raya Haji, Hari Raya Puasa, and Mawlid an Nabi

These are Islamic holidays observed on variable dates. Hari Raya Haji commemorates the Islamic prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Mawlid an Nabi celebrates the birth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is traditionally a day to give gifts to the less fortunate.

Types of leave

Full-time employees accrue 4 weeks of paid annual leave per year, while part-time employees accumulate a pro-rata amount based on their ordinary hours worked. Annual leave can be taken for vacation purposes, personal needs, or other agreed reasons. This is regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Part 2-2, Division 3).

Personal/Carer's Leave

Full-time employees are entitled to 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave each year, with part-time employees receiving a pro-rata amount. This leave can be used for the employee's own illness or injury, or for caring for an immediate family or household member who is ill/injured, or due to an unexpected emergency. This is regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Part 2-2, Division 4).

Compassionate Leave

Both full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 2 days of paid compassionate leave for each permissible occasion. This leave is used for the death or serious illness of an immediate family or household member. This is regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Part 2-2, Division 5).

Unpaid Leave

Several types of unpaid leave may be available, including parental leave, which can be taken in conjunction with government-funded parental leave pay (if eligible), and community service leave, for engaging in eligible community activities. This is regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Parts 2-2, various divisions).

Long Service Leave

Long service leave entitlements may vary slightly depending on specific state/territory regulations and any applicable industrial awards. This leave is an extended period of leave after a substantial duration of continuous employment, usually after 7-10 years of service. This is primarily governed by state/territory legislation.

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