Australian Daylight Saving Ends: Clocks Go Back on April 5
Daylight saving time in several Australian states and territories is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, April 5. Clocks in these regions will move backward by one hour, from 3 am to 2 am local time. This annual adjustment marks the end of the daylight saving period for the year, which will recommence on the first Sunday of October.
Conclusion of Daylight Saving
On Sunday, April 5, 2020, at 3 am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), daylight saving will officially end in the states and territories that observe it.
Clocks will be adjusted back by one hour to 2 am, resulting in an additional hour for those affected.
This conclusion of daylight saving time occurs annually on the first Sunday of April.
Affected and Unaffected Regions
The Australian states and territories that observe daylight saving and will undergo this time change include:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
Conversely, the following regions do not observe daylight saving time and will not adjust their clocks:
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
Clock Adjustment Procedures
Many smart devices, such as smartphones and computers, are typically designed to adjust automatically to the time change. However, manual adjustment will be necessary for other devices, including analogue clocks, watches, and some kitchen appliances, which should be set back by one hour.
Workplace Considerations
Employees who are working a shift during the early hours of Sunday, April 5, may effectively work an additional hour due to the time change. The Fair Work Ombudsman advises both employees and employers to consult their specific award or registered agreement for terms related to daylight saving.
If no specific terms are outlined, payment for the shift is generally made "by the clock," meaning employees are compensated for their scheduled hours rather than the actual hours worked, which could result in eight hours of pay for a nine-hour shift.
Recommencement of Daylight Saving
Daylight saving time is scheduled to recommence on the first Sunday of October, which falls on October 4, 2020, this year.
Adjusting to the Time Change
The end of daylight saving means a reduction in afternoon daylight but allows for waking up an hour later. The NSW government has offered suggestions to facilitate adjustment, including:
- Gradually shifting bedtime by 15 minutes each night.
- Maximizing exposure to morning light to assist in resetting the body's internal clock.
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
International Context
Daylight saving schedules vary globally. For example, in the United States, it typically begins on the second Sunday of March and concludes on the first Sunday of November. In the United Kingdom, it starts on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.