Notice - Proclamation - Special Public & Bank Holidays 2024 Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Overview

The Proclamation – Special Public and Bank Holidays 2024 for the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, issued under the authority of the Administrator, Farzian Zainal, and based on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955, was enacted to ensure that the specific cultural and religious holidays of the territory's predominantly Muslim community are recognised and celebrated. The legislation aims to provide the residents of the Territory with designated public and bank holidays that reflect their religious practices and cultural heritage. This was achieved by delegating the power under the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA) (CKI), as enabled by section 8A of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955. The proclamation highlights the commitment to recognising the unique cultural identity of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands community, ensuring that their religious observances are accommodated within the legislative framework.

Scope and Application

The Special Public and Bank Holidays Notice issued under the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA)(CKI) and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955 pertains specifically to the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands, affecting all persons, businesses, and government offices operating within the territory. This notice declares certain days as special public and bank holidays, including Act of Self Determination Day on 8 April 2024, Hari Raya Puasa on 10 April 2024, King’s Birthday on 6 June 2024, Hari Raya Haji on 17 June 2024, and Hari Maulaud Nabi on 16 September 2024, with the latter three dates being contingent on the sighting of the new moon. Notably, the notice excludes any provisions for adjustments in the event of a public holiday falling on a weekend, as it specifies that Act of Self Determination Day will be observed on Monday, 8 April 2024, in lieu of the actual holiday on Saturday, 6 April 2024. This proclamation, issued by Farzian Zainal, the Administrator of the Territory, underscores the legislative authority to adapt public holiday observances to both statutory and cultural needs specific to the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Key Provisions

The key provisions of this notifiable instrument (No. 05/2023) outline the determination of special Public and Bank Holidays for the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands for the year 2024, as proclaimed under the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA)(CKI). Specifically, Section 1 designates Act of Self Determination Day on Monday, 8 April 2024, Hari Raya Puasa on Wednesday, 10 April 2024, King’s Birthday on Thursday, 6 June 2024, Hari Raya Haji on Monday, 17 June 2024, and Hari Maulaud Nabi on Monday, 16 September 2024. It is noted that the dates for Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, and Hari Maulaud Nabi are subject to change based on the sighting of the new moon, which determines the Islamic calendar (Section 1). This Act imposes obligations on the public and businesses within the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands to observe these days as special Public and Bank Holidays. This includes government offices, banks, and other financial institutions being closed, and it is expected that businesses and employees will follow suit unless otherwise agreed upon by employers and employees. The observance of these holidays is intended to respect the cultural and religious significance of these days for the local community. Breach of these provisions by businesses that do not comply with the mandated holiday closures could lead to penalties. However, the specific nature of these penalties is not detailed within the text of this notifiable instrument. For more detailed information on potential penalties, one would need to refer to the broader Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA)(CKI) or consult with legal authorities in the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The maximum penalties for such breaches, if applicable, would also be outlined within the overarching legislation rather than this specific proclamation.