National party leader says it’s easy for the PM to call for a national holiday if Australia win the World Cup, but business would suffer

Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

David Littleproud has opposed a public holiday for Australia if the Matildas win the World Cup, while insisting he does not want to be labelled “Captain Killjoy”.

A day after Australia defeated France in a thrilling penalty shootout to set up a semi-final clash against England, the National party leader said business groups were right to worry about the costs of a public holiday.