Workers across the state will receive a day off next week to allow participation in the National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II and employers are scurrying to rearrange rosters and comply with an Order.

Thursday, 22 September 2022 has been declared a public holiday in NSW by the Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope under section 5 of the Public Holidays Act 2010.

This follows the announcement made by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that the National Day of Mourning on 22 September 2022 will be recognised as a National public holiday across the country.

The day coincides with the National Memorial Service to be held in Canberra.

Shops and retailers can trade as they normally would on other public holidays such as Australia Day or New Year’s Day.

This additional public holiday will not be a “restricted trading day” (such as Good Friday or Anzac Day) under the Retail Trading Act 2008.

For banks and other financial institutions it will be a “bank close day” under the Retail Trading Act 2008.

For employers and employees the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 that deal with working on public holidays will apply.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard has instructed NSW Health to encourage all local health districts to retain as much of their planned elective surgery on 22 September as possible, subject to staff availability.

Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, is inviting people across his electorate to sign a book of condolence for the Royal Family.

"Australia, and the world, is in mourning following the terribly sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last week," Mr Coulton said.

"For many of us, Queen Elizabeth was the only monarch we have ever known."

"She provided stability, strength and reassurance to the people of the Commonwealth throughout her 70-year reign, and was loved by millions."

"The Queen dedicated her life to serving the people and will be remembered as one of history’s greatest monarchs. She certainly leaves an extraordinary legacy."

Vale Queen Elizabeth II. God save The Queen. 

A condolence book has been established in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Anyone wishing to express sympathy can do so by signing the online condolences form on the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website, or by visiting one of my electorate offices.