Where staff are required to work on public holidays, inform them of this requirement well in advance, ensuring they are paid the correct wages as indicated by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Ensure that clear Public Holiday policies are in place upfront, and that these are communicated to staff well in advance. Include notice of sick leave absences and the evidence required to support such absences around public holidays.
Absences that are not accompanied by sufficient evidence may be deemed as leave without pay, subject to disciplinary measures, or both.
Inform staff in advance of sick leave policy, including the requirement that they provide a medical certificate as evidence in relation to any absences on public holidays or the day(s) before or after.
In the event that despite your perfectly laid out plan, there are still employee absences and you have urgent deliverables that must be achieved, have a backup plan