He's right. If you enjoy your public holidays, do not, I repeat DO NOT work in the hospitality industry. Where I used to eagerly look forward to Australia Day, Labor Day etc I now beg for it to come and go as quick as possible.
For those who actually get their public holidays off, a national holiday is a good thing. Australia Day over here is the shizzle - drink beer, watch cricket, go to the beach (weather permitting), cook up a barbie and hang with your mates.