In our diverse and multicultural Australian society, the fixed observance of holidays poses challenges for individuals from varied cultural and religious backgrounds. The mandatory shutdown of businesses during these times often compels individuals to take annual leave, even if these holidays have no personal significance to them. Moreover, individuals from other cultural or religious backgrounds have their own significant festivals and observances, which are not recognized as public holidays. As a result, they must use additional annual leave days to celebrate and observe their traditions. This not only diminishes their available leisure time but can also lead to feelings of exclusion or marginalization.

A progressive solution might be the concept of a "floating holiday." Instead of pegging holidays to specific dates, individuals could choose when to take these days off based on their personal beliefs, culture, or needs. Such an approach respects that not everyone celebrates the same holidays or attributes the same importance to particular dates. For example, while Christmas might be significant for one individual, another might find Eid or Mardi Gras more pertinent.

By adopting floating holidays, Australia could ensure that everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background, has the opportunity to observe and celebrate days that hold meaning to them. This approach would not only foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity but also respect individual choices and beliefs.

Make Easter, Christmas and Boxing day as floating multicultural public holidays !!!

Sign this petition and share till it reaches Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs & the Review committee that review the Multi cultural framework in Australia . 

You can make your direct submission to the committee using below link (The submission period for the Multicultural Framework Review has been extended until 13 October 2023 (11:59pm AWST).)

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/multicultural-framework-review

Read what experts say : https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-should-have-more-public-holidays-make-them-civic-secular

Fairwork Commission thinks it is a good idea but as it is not federally legislated they can not mandate organisations to introduce these:  https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays/cultural-religious-holidays

Here is what unions are saying:  https://asuvic.org/can-i-substitute-a-public-holiday-for-another-day/.