Oh yes.. it's a thing here.
I'm glad I didn't assume everyone had it across the world. No idea why businesses do that. I'm sure someone in the Aussie hospitality industry can enlighten me.. although.. I'm guessing here that it is because the wages are much higher on a public holiday for staff (think $40 an hour after penalty rates are applied).
Yes.. come to Aus and try our amazing food. If you go to Melbourne, you will be spoiled for choice for vegan food. Sydney is pretty good too (getting much better) and even our seaside Steel city, Wollongong is making leaps and bounds in vegan eats!
Nick.