Clocks to Change Across Five Australian States and Territories
Daylight saving time ends at 3am on Sunday, April 6.
Clocks will move back one hour in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.
At 3am AEDT, clocks will change to 2am AEST, giving residents one extra hour of sleep.
Smartphones and digital devices will adjust automatically.
Analog clocks and watches require manual resetting.
Figure 1: Clocks to move back one hour on 6 April
An Annual Adjustment Dating Back to Wartime
Daylight saving time first began during World War I to conserve fuel and lighting.
Australia reinstated the measure during World War II.
Tasmania adopted it permanently in 1968.
Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and South Australia followed in 1971.
Purpose and Practice of Daylight Saving
The time change shifts daylight into the evening hours.
People gain extra evening light, supporting outdoor activities and reduced artificial lighting.
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) begins in October and ends in April.
Standard time resumes as Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Participation Varies Across the Country
Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving.
Other states and territories switch between AEST and AEDT annually.
On Sunday, New South Wales and Queensland will share the same time again.
Cross-Border Businesses Welcome the Change
Businesses near the NSW-Queensland border face challenges due to the one-hour time difference.
Toby Bamford owns Baked at Ancora, located 900 metres from the border.
He says, “It is really challenging at the moment. Whilst NSW customers are up and about, the Queenslanders are just waking up.”
His bakers living in Queensland start work at 3.45am during daylight saving.
On Sunday, his business aligns with Queensland again.
Bamford adds, “It means clarity on opening hours and reservation times for customers between states.”
Mixed Reactions from Business and Community Leaders
Chrissie Maus, chief of Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, commented on the challenges for WA businesses.
“It forces teams to adapt – starting earlier, shifting schedules and adjusting operations just to stay in sync,” she said.
She stressed the need for supportive solutions in a globally connected economy.
Public Support for Daylight Saving Remains Strong
Daylight saving has been in place in Australia for over 50 years.
A 2024 study found 80% support daylight saving, including in states that do not observe it.
Many residents cite social and economic benefits, including extended recreational time.
Impact on Health and Rural Communities
Some residents raise concerns about health and safety during daylight saving transitions.
Research links disrupted sleep to increased risks of stroke and heart attacks.
Adjusting circadian rhythms can impact mental health and sleep quality.
Farmers report difficulty in livestock management and increased danger on foggy roads.
Some NSW farmers suggest shortening daylight saving to four months.
They claim early starts in the dark affect family routines and driving conditions.
Calls for Regional Adjustments Near Borders
Bamford supports limited adoption of daylight saving in Queensland’s border regions.
He said, “Just where all the people live and the cows aren’t affected. It would make our lives a lot easier.”
Origins of the Daylight Saving Concept
George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, proposed the idea in 1895.
He wanted more daylight for evening insect studies.
Australia adopted the practice to reduce artificial lighting and fuel usage.
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Notable Comments on Daylight Saving Over the Years
Flo Bjelke-Petersen, wife of Queensland’s former Premier, once said it would “fade the curtains and confuse the cows.”
Her remark highlights long-standing opposition in Queensland.
Global Discussions Continue Around the Clock Change
Former US President Donald Trump expressed intent to abolish saving.
He stated, the Republican party would “use its best efforts to eliminate daylight saving time” due to its “inconvenience.”
No legislation was introduced during his term.
Preparing for the Sunday Shift
Nearly 20 million Australians will adjust their clocks this weekend.
Residents in affected states will gain one hour of sleep.
This marks the return to AEST until saving resumes in October.
Businesses, Communities Adjust to the Transition
Bamford noted the benefits despite the confusion, saying, “I look forward to saving for the long days and the long evenings.”
The seasonal time change continues to shape work, life and social routines across Australia.
