Legislation will be introduced today to ensure Anzac Day will always be a public holiday in the ACT, even when the 25th of April falls on a Sunday.
The Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson, will introduce the Holidays (Anzac Day) Amendment Bill 2026, establishing a clear and permanent framework for public holiday arrangements when Anzac Day falls on a weekend.
If passed, the Bill will amend the Holidays Act 1958 to ensure the 25th of April is always a public holiday, even when it falls on a weekend. When Anzac Day does fall on a weekend, this Bill will ensure the following Monday is also a public holiday.
Minister Pettersson said the Bill will eliminate the need for ad hoc declarations to protect Anzac Day observances.
"Anzac Day is one of Australia's most significant national days. It is important for veterans and their families, and it is important for our collective Australian identity. We are introducing legislation to ensure everyone can recognise and observe Anzac Day every year," said Minister Pettersson.
"Ensuring consistent arrangements for the Anzac Day public holiday guarantees an entitlement to a day off for workers, which isn't always protected on an ordinary weekend. It also provides certainty for businesses and the broader community through a clear and consistent legislative approach."
The proposal follows public consultation undertaken between 14 August and 11 September 2026, with input sought from employer and industry organisations, employee representatives, veterans' representatives, and government stakeholders.
Feedback was mixed on the issue of an additional public holiday for Anzac Day. However, all stakeholders highlighted the importance of preserving Anzac Day's significance.
After next year, Anzac Day will not fall on a weekend until 2032. In practical terms, over the next 15 years, Anzac Day will fall on a weekend a total of four times.
Under previous arrangements, the ACT Government has considered weekend Anzac Day public holidays on a case-by-case basis. Additional public holidays were declared in 2020, 2021 and 2026.
The proposed permanent legislative amendments will improve consistency and transparency, and support forward workforce planning for businesses, workers, and government agencies.
