As the days grow shorter in the southern hemisphere, Australians will once again prepare for the annual shift to daylight saving time. Starting Today, clocks will be set forward by one hour in five states and territories. While this practice is designed to make the most of the daylight hours, it remains a topic of ongoing debate across the nation.
For many, daylight saving time (DST) means an extra hour of sunlight in the afternoon, but it also comes at the cost of losing an hour of sleep. The shift, which occurs in the early hours of Sunday morning, has been a feature of life in certain parts of Australia for decades, despite significant opposition from some quarters.
When Does Daylight Saving Time Begin?
Daylight saving time officially begun at 2 a.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025. At that time, clocks skipped forward to 3 a.m. AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time), marking the start of a shift that will remain in place until the first Sunday of April 2026. According to reports, this practice affects the states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania.
In contrast, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving time. These regions will continue to operate on their standard times, meaning that across the country, there will be five different time zones instead of the usual three during this period.
Why Does Australia Observe Daylight Saving Time?
The introduction of daylight saving time in Australia can be traced back to World War I as a means to conserve fuel. Initially, it was used as a wartime measure, but it has since been adopted as a more permanent practice in some states. Tasmania, which first implemented DST in 1967, led the way, with other states following suit by 1971.
Proponents of daylight saving argue that it helps reduce electricity consumption by extending daylight into the evening. This, in turn, leads to potential savings on energy costs, particularly in warmer months. For others, however, the change can be disruptive. The Sleep Health Foundation notes that losing an hour of sleep can have a more significant impact than gaining one. Adjusting to the new schedule can lead to sleepiness and may affect overall health during the transition.
As a result, experts suggest easing into the shift by getting sunlight in the morning, eating healthy meals, and avoiding screens or caffeine late in the day. This approach can help minimise the negative impact on the body’s circadian rhythm.
