Monday 12 September 2022 01:55 AM Australia's public holiday for Queen's death sparks chaos from cancelled ... trends now
Top doctors, business executives and other Aussies whose plans have been disrupted have lashed out at the announcement of the national public holiday next Thursday to honour the Queen's passing.
While most Australians welcomed the September 22 National Day of Mourning, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday, even the PM admitted on Monday morning that many details still need to be worked out.
Mr Albanese told Sunrise that issues such as penalty rates, school closures and timetables for public transport will be 'worked through' by the states and territories in the coming days - but that the day should be like any other public holiday.
It was announced on Sunday that Thursday September 22 will be a national day of mourning for the passing of Queen Elizabeth
Mr Albanese defended hosting the 'historic' and 'one-off' occasion.
'The national day of mourning provides an opportunity for local government, for example, to organise events in their local communities,' he said.
Professor Steve Robson, the president of doctors lobby group the Australian Medical Association, tweeted his displeasure at the sudden announcement of the holiday
Prof Robson said that the holiday will affect multiple bookings for medical consultations and procedures
Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson dropped a scathing tweet about the suddenness of the announcement.
Prof Robson indicated that the medical system is already being severely stretched
'Operations and lots of patient consultations booked that day, at a time when access is difficult. Thanks for dropping this at short notice, ' Professor Robson said.
In reply to a Twitter user who said they had a family member booked in that day Prof Robson tweeted: 'It's very difficult to staff hospitals and practices at the best of times now.
'An unanticipated public holiday will make it very difficult to staff hospitals and clinics.'
Melbourne surgeon Dr Eric Levi tweeted that the suddenly announced holiday would affect his patients
Melbourne surgeon Eric Levi strongly supported this argument.
'Patients
