The Palaszczuk Government is moving to make Easter Sunday a public holiday in Queensland from next year.

Currently Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday are gazetted holidays in Queensland, but the most religiously significant day of the Easter weekend is not.

Employment and Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said she expected resistance from some employer groups, but the change would be better for workers.

“These amendments will end the confusion and bring Queensland into line with our biggest interstate trading partners Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT.

“As well as that, we think Easter Sunday as a public holiday recognises its religious and cultural significance and ensures that workers who are required to work on the day receive the penalty rates that are applicable to a significant cultural and religious day.”

Employers usually pay double time penalty rates on Sundays but the amount could be double time and a half on public holidays.

“So the difference is not that great but what it will allow is for businesses to collect the surcharge on that day and equally it won’t come in until 2017, so there’s ample opportunity for businesses to adjust accordingly,” Ms Grace said.

“I’ve had a straw poll and most people when I asked the question believed that Easter Sunday already is a public holiday.”

Ms Grace said the move was part of the ALP platform and would be welcomed by unions and religious groups.

The changes will be introduced to State Parliament this week and are expected to come up for debate later this year.