As the sun rises on Sunday, April 6, 2025, residents in five Australian states and territories will set their clocks back one hour as daylight saving time comes to an end. At 3 a.m. AEDT, clocks will shift to 2 a.m. AEST, granting many Australians an extra hour of sleep. This seasonal adjustment affects New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), while residents in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory will continue without the change.
Daylight saving time is a practice that dates back to World War I, originally implemented to conserve fuel and lighting. Australia reinstated it during World War II, with Tasmania being the first state to adopt it permanently in 1968. New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT, and South Australia followed suit in 1971. The current system allows for an extension of daylight into the evening hours, encouraging outdoor activities and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s clock change, nearly 20 million Australians are preparing for the shift. While smartphones and digital devices will adjust automatically, many will need to manually reset their analog clocks and watches. For some, particularly those living near state borders, this change can bring a sense of relief. Toby Bamford, owner of Baked at Ancora, located just 900 meters from the Queensland border, expressed his thoughts on the matter. “It is really challenging at the moment. Whilst NSW customers are up and about, the Queenslanders are just waking up,” he said. His bakers, who live in Queensland, start work at 3:45 a.m. during daylight saving time. With the end of daylight saving, Bamford anticipates a return to more synchronized operations, stating, “It means clarity on opening hours and reservation times for customers between states.”
However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Chrissie Maus, chief of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the difficulties faced by businesses in Western Australia. “It forces teams to adapt – starting earlier, shifting schedules and adjusting operations just to stay in sync,” she noted, emphasizing the need for supportive solutions in a globally connected economy.
Despite mixed reactions, public support for daylight saving remains strong. A 2024 study found that 80% of Australians support the practice, even in states that do not observe it. Many cite social and economic benefits, including extended recreational time. Yet, some residents have raised concerns about the health implications associated with the time change. Research indicates that disrupted sleep patterns can increase the risks of stroke and heart attacks, while also impacting mental health and sleep quality.
Farmers, in particular, have voiced their challenges. Adjusting to the time change can complicate livestock management and increase the risks associated with driving in foggy conditions. Some farmers in New South Wales have suggested shortening daylight saving to four months, arguing that early starts in the dark disrupt family routines and pose dangers on the roads.
Bamford supports limited adoption of daylight saving in the border regions of Queensland, stating, “Just where all the people live and the cows aren’t affected. It would make our lives a lot easier.” His comments reflect a growing call for regional adjustments to better accommodate the unique needs of communities situated near state lines.
The concept of daylight saving was first proposed by George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, in 1895. Hudson aimed to have more daylight for evening insect studies. Australia adopted the practice not only to conserve energy but also to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Over the years, daylight saving has spurred notable comments and opinions. Flo Bjelke-Petersen, the wife of Queensland’s former Premier, famously remarked that it would “fade the curtains and confuse the cows,” highlighting the long-standing opposition to the practice in Queensland.
Global discussions about the merits and drawbacks of daylight saving continue. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his intent to abolish daylight saving, stating that the Republican party would “use its best efforts to eliminate daylight saving time” due to its “inconvenience.” However, no legislation was introduced during his term.
As Australians prepare to adjust their clocks this weekend, the seasonal change remains a topic of discussion, shaping work, life, and social routines across the country. Bamford noted the benefits of daylight saving, saying, “I look forward to daylight saving for the long days and the long evenings.” With the return to AEST, Australians will enjoy longer evenings until daylight saving resumes in October.
As the clock ticks down to the change, many are left to ponder the future of daylight saving in Australia. While the practice has been in place for over 50 years, its impact on health, business operations, and community life continues to spark debate. Whether it remains a cherished tradition or faces calls for reform, the seasonal time change will undoubtedly continue to shape the lives of Australians.
