The Andrews government has come under fire over a "Grinch-like" decision not to make Christmas – which falls on a Sunday this year – a public holiday, potentially depriving thousands of shift workers of extra penalty rates.

Despite insisting that Easter Sunday should be a public holiday, the Victorian government has ruled that Christmas this year will not be given the same status.

By calling for an audit of ministers' phones, Premier Daniel Andrews has again put a negative focus on the Labor Party. Credit:Jason South

That means workers will get normal Sunday rates on December 25, rather than extra holiday pay.

A public holiday has instead been declared on Tuesday, December 27, so that workers rostered on the Sunday but not the Tuesday will miss out on the extra cash.