Labour Day (Australia)

Labour Day in Australia is a public holiday in most states and territories, and it is observed on different days in different states.

The holiday is a holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers. It has the origin in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

In the 1800s, most workers had to work over 12 hours a day and 7 days a week to maintain a basic living, which led to the appearance of labor unions organizing strikes to improve the poor working conditions.

Many of the strikes turned violent at that time including the Haymarket Affair, which took place on May 4, 1886. The event started with a peaceful labor protest rally in support of the eight-hour workday near Chicago's Haymarket Square, and it turned into a riot when someone threw a bomb at police. At least seven police and four civilians died, and many were wounded. The Haymarket Affair is generally considered as the origin of Labour Day.

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and South Australia

In the states of Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA), Labour Day is observed on the first Monday in October.

Queensland: In the states of Queensland, Labour Day is observed on the first Monday in May.

Victoria: In the states of Victoria, Labour Day is observed on the second Monday in March.

Western Australia: In the states of Western Australia, Labour Day is observed on the 1^st Monday in March.