Notice - Proclamation - Special Public and Bank Holidays 2025 Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Overview

The Special Public and Bank Holidays 2025 Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands No 03/2024 was introduced to establish specific public and bank holidays in the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands as of Wednesday, 28 August 2024, under the authority delegated by the Administrator of the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This notifiable instrument was enacted to provide clarity and official recognition to key cultural and national events celebrated within the territory, ensuring these dates are observed as holidays. The proclamation was made under the powers delegated to the Administrator by section 8A of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955, and it aligns with the provisions of the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA)(CKI). The objective is to ensure that the community can celebrate these significant days without the obligation to work or conduct banking activities, thus fostering a sense of community and cultural identity.

Scope and Application

The Notifiable instrument F2024N00791 pertains to the proclamation of special public and bank holidays in the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands for the year 2025. This notice is issued under the authority of the Administrator of the Territory, Farzian Zainal, exercising powers delegated through the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA)(CKI) as enabled by section 8A of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955. The act specifically designates certain days as special public and bank holidays within the Territory, affecting all persons and entities operating within its jurisdiction. The declared holidays include Act of Self Determination Day, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, King’s Birthday, and Hari Maulaud Nabi, with the latter two Islamic holidays' dates being subject to lunar observation and potentially varying by one or two days. This proclamation ensures that these holidays are observed and adhered to by all individuals and businesses within the Territory, impacting their operations and activities on these specified dates.

Key Provisions

This legislation (F2024N00791) designates specific days as special Public and Bank Holidays in the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The main operative sections detail the dates for these holidays, including Act of Self Determination Day on Monday, 7 April 2025, Hari Raya Puasa on Monday, 31 March 2025, Hari Raya Haji on Friday, 6 June 2025 (in lieu of Saturday, 7 June 2025), King’s Birthday on Monday, 9 June 2025, and Hari Maulaud Nabi on Friday, 5 September 2025. The holidays for Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Maulaud Nabi are subject to change, as they are based on the lunar calendar and the sighting of the new moon, potentially varying by one or two days. The obligations imposed by this Act require adherence to the designated holiday schedule, ensuring that public and banking services are adjusted accordingly. Employers and employees must recognise these holidays, with businesses potentially needing to close or operate with reduced hours. Similarly, banks and financial institutions must observe these holidays, affecting their operating hours and transaction processing. Failure to comply with the designated holidays could result in civil or criminal consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed within the text, breaches of such public holiday regulations can typically lead to fines or other legal actions. The maximum penalties would depend on the specific nature of the breach and the applicable local laws, but they may include financial penalties for businesses or other enforcement actions for non-compliance.