In short:
Grand Final Friday has been a Victorian public holiday since 2015, giving footy fans and families a long weekend around the AFL’s biggest event. More than a decade later, debate continues over whether the benefits outweigh the costs for businesses.
Victoria’s Grand Final Friday public holiday has been a source of contention since it was introduced in 2015, and more than a decade later, the debate over whether it should stay continues.
The holiday gives Victorians a three-day weekend around one of the biggest events on the state’s sporting calendar, with this year’s public holiday falling on 25 September.
For footy fans, the Friday has become an event in its own right.
Thousands head into Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final Parade, while the free Footy Festival at Yarra Park brings player appearances, activities, food, music and family entertainment to the city.
The long weekend also gives Victorians an opportunity to travel, with tourism, hospitality and regional visitation among the potential benefits associated with the public holiday.
But the day has faced opposition from parts of the business community since its introduction.
Premier Backs It, Many Businesses Not Sold
Businesses that remain open can face public holiday penalty rates and increased operating costs, while those that close lose a normal day of trade and productivity.
The argument can become particularly pointed when the Grand Final features two non-Victorian clubs, with some questioning the need for a statewide public holiday ahead of a game without a Victorian team.
Others argue the day has grown beyond the two teams playing, becoming part of Victoria’s broader Grand Final week celebrations and providing families with a long weekend between the King’s Birthday in June and Christmas.
Premier Ben Carroll has made his position clear, saying this week the public holiday should remain.
With benefits for some businesses and additional costs for others, Grand Final Friday continues to divide opinion more than a decade after it was introduced.
