This year, we gave staff the choice to work on Australia Day (January 26), and instead, take another day off later in the year. We recognise this day means different things to different people and have elected May 26 as a substitute public holiday.
May 26 holds significance as the day before the commencement of National Reconciliation Week and the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, when Australians voted to change the Constitution.
It is also National Sorry Day, a day to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
Here’s what some of our staff had to say about being given this choice:
“I felt good that my workplace was flexible, progressive and thoughtful enough to offer the choice. I am privileged enough to be able to organise life so that I was able to do this.”
“I really value the opportunity provided by ESA to take an alternative day off to January 26 as it affords me the ability to stand in solidarity with the First Nations sisters & brothers.”
“I appreciate that ESA has given us options for taking our Australia day public holiday. It acknowledges the diversity of staff opinions, while still making the day special by linking the additional option to National Reconciliation Week.”
“The opportunity to choose to work on January 26th, rather than observe the public holiday, allows ESA staff to make a considered decision about a day which increasingly divides national opinion. As a family we discussed at length why January 26th is a day of mourning for Indigenous Australians. We also spent time creating posters supporting changing the date and the Uluru Statement of the Heart, which we hung in the front windows of our house, so that passers-by would see them.”
“I liked the autonomy offered by having this choice... Plus it was nice to still be able to assist our New Zealand customers!”
ESA will continue to offer this choice for staff on January 26 each year.
About the author
Education Services Australia (ESA) is a not-for-profit education technology company committed to making a positive difference in the lives and learning of Australian students. ESA works with all education systems and sectors to improve student outcomes, enhance teacher impact and strengthen school communities.
