Standing for Australians and New Zealand Army Corps, Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey on April 25, 1915.
On the day, always April 25, Aussies and Kiwis attend dawn services, march in parades and lay wreaths at memorial sites. For nearly everyone in Australia, if the day doesn’t fall over the weekend, it’s a public holiday. Unlike Easter, Christmas, Boxing Day and other occasions, when Anzac Day falls on the weekend, that doesn’t automatically translate to a day off on the following Monday.
“Anzac Day is celebrated [commemorated] on 25 April each year, regardless of on which day it falls. For many years, no replacement holiday was given if Anzac Day fell on a weekend (except in Western Australia),” according to Public Holidays Global.
“However, this is beginning to change as states gradually add replacement dates to their holiday calendars.”
Back in 2021, Anzac Day fell on a Sunday. The rules for Queensland, the Northern Territory, and South Australia stipulate that if Anzac Day is on a Sunday, a public holiday will be granted on the following Monday. In addition, Western Australia and the ACT always get a public holiday for ANZAC day if it falls on either a Saturday or a Sunday.
Related: Breaking News: Bali Isn’t the Only Island in Indonesia — 5 Others to Visit Instead
Related: We Did the Math to Find Out How to Turn 22 Annual Leave Days Into 57 in 2023
That means that in 2021, only New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania missed out on a public holiday while the rest of the country chilled out (presumably).
When Is Anzac Day 2023?Â
Firstly, what day is Anzac Day 2023? Anzac Day will fall on a Tuesday in 2023, meaning that the whole of Australia will have a public holiday on Tuesday, April 25.
Is Anzac Day a Public Holiday in 2023?
Yes, it is, and, if you’ve read our annual leave hack story, you’ll have taken the Monday before off so that you can have a four-day holiday.
Work will commence as usual on the Wednesday, though, so don’t get too carried away playing two-up.
Why Does Western Australia Always Get a Public Holiday for Anzac Day?
Western Australia is the only state that gives a public holiday for Anzac Day if it falls on a weekend, as per their Public And Bank Holidays Act 1972.
“When New Year’s Day, Anzac Day, or Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday the next following Monday is also a public holiday and bank holiday,” the section states.
However, the ACT announced in 2020 that they would also grant a public holiday for Anzac Day on Monday, 27, April, 2021, despite all commemorations still taking place on Saturday, 25 April.
“Anzac Day is a historically and culturally significant time for many Canberrans and should be marked as a holiday for everyone,” Employment and Workplace Safety minister Suzanne Orr told the Canberra Times.
“The ACT Government recognises this and is declaring this public holiday to allow Canberrans to reflect while spending quality time with friends and family.”
There is no word yet as to whether this will be a continuing trend, however as the next few years will see ANZAC Day fall on a weekday, that debate won’t need to be had for some time.
Why Don’t All States Always Get a Public Holiday for Anzac Day?
The main reason Anzac Day doesn’t attract a public holiday if it falls on the weekend is due to the history and nature of the day. Anzac Day is a day to commemorate those who served and, as such, this can take place on any day, including a weekend.
“Anzac Day is when Australia comes together to recognise all those who have served our nation and pay tribute to the sacrifice of more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in the service of our country,” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester, said.
The Australian Government is dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, veterans and their families and recognise the contribution our military families have made to our nation.
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.