ACT Government Reverses Decision, Makes Anzac Day a Public Holiday
The Australian Capital Territory government has officially declared Anzac Day a public holiday following significant pressure from union representatives. This reversal comes after the territory initially planned not to mark Saturday, April 25 as a public holiday this year because it falls on a weekend, which would have made the ACT the only jurisdiction in Australia without the designation.
Union Advocacy Leads to Policy Change
Industrial Relations Minister Michael Pettersson announced the policy reversal on Monday night after meeting with shopkeeper union delegates the previous week. "This decision reflects the realities of our shared regional workforce and the feedback we've received from stakeholders," Mr Pettersson stated. The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association had argued that not declaring April 25 a public holiday was disrespectful to veterans and their families who work on weekends.
Bernie Smith, NSW/ACT branch secretary of the union, emphasized that without the public holiday designation, staff could not reasonably refuse work to attend commemorative events. "As many shops traditionally do not open until 11am on Anzac Day, after marches finish, they would also not receive penalty rates despite having to potentially work fewer hours," Mr Smith explained. He noted that the ACT had previously maintained Anzac Day as a public holiday on weekends in 2020 and 2021.
Cross-Border Considerations Drive Alignment with NSW
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr highlighted the importance of aligning with New South Wales, given the unique geographical position of the territory. "The ACT is uniquely positioned within NSW, with many families living on one side of the border and working or studying on the other," Mr Barr said. "Declaring both Saturday and Monday as public holidays respects the significance of the day and provides clarity for the community."
Mr Barr further explained that this decision creates straightforward arrangements and eliminates unnecessary confusion across the ACT-NSW border. The move ensures consistency for workers and businesses operating in both jurisdictions, particularly those with cross-border employment patterns.
Veteran and Community Perspectives
While RSL ACT did not take an official position on whether Anzac Day should be a public holiday, media officer John King encouraged people to commemorate the day on April 25. "The assumption from the government always has been that employers will allow veterans, if they are working on Saturday, time off to attend the march," Mr King noted. He added that some businesses delay opening until after commemorative events conclude.
Paul Singer, chief executive officer of Soldier On, emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to observe Anzac Day in meaningful ways. "Whether that be on the day, a moment of reflection or another time, it's really important to recognize that commemoration can take many forms, not just formal events on Anzac Day," Mr Singer said. "For those that wish to do it on Anzac Day we would hope they have the opportunity to do so."
Historical Context of Anzac Day
Anzac Day was first named on April 25, 1916, with ceremonies held across Australia and New Zealand. States have been required to commemorate it on that specific date since 1922, and it became a public holiday in all Australian jurisdictions in 1927. The day honors the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I, and has since expanded to commemorate all Australians who have served in military conflicts.
The ACT government's decision ensures that workers in the territory receive appropriate recognition and compensation for working on this significant national day of remembrance, while maintaining alignment with neighboring NSW to support the region's integrated workforce.
