The ACT government has reversed its earlier position and will now recognise Anzac Day with a public holiday, following strong backlash from workers and unions.

This year, Anzac Day falls on a Saturday. Initially, the ACT was the only jurisdiction planning to treat April 25 as a normal weekend day, while every other state and territory moved to honour it as a public holiday.

That approach would have hit workers in seven day industries such as fast food, retail and hospitality. Many would have needed to take annual leave or lose pay to attend midmorning services.

Union leaders condemned the move, calling it a “disgrace”. The decision also broke with the ACT’s previous approach when Anzac Day fell on a weekend in 2020 and 2021 and the public holiday was still observed.

“It is a disgrace that the ACT government is refusing to listen to local seven-day-a-week workers who want to be able to honour Anzac Day too,” SDA union secretary Bernie Smith said at the time. “Every other jurisdiction is honouring the Anzac Day public holiday on Saturday the 25th. Why won’t ACT?”

After pressure from workers and unions, and meetings last week with ACT Minister Michael Pettersson, the government has now changed course. Anzac Day, Saturday April 25, will be a public holiday in the ACT.

“This decision reflects the realities of our shared regional workforce and the feedback we’ve received from stakeholders,” Mr Pettersson said.

“Aligning the Anzac public holiday arrangements with NSW provides greater certainty for businesses and workers as they plan operations and time with family.

“The additional public holiday gives people time beyond the day itself to pause, reflect and spend time with loved ones, while keeping Anzac Day firmly at the heart of remembrance.”

Retail, warehousing and fast food workers have welcomed the shift, saying it brings the ACT into line with the rest of the country. The SDA ACT/NSW said the change will make it easier for workers to attend services without sacrificing pay or leave.

“It’s a relief that the ACT Government has made the decision to align with all other jurisdictions and mark the public holiday to respect our past and present service men and women,” the union said.

“This means that everyone will have the chance to pay their respects and honour the sacrifices that thousands of Australian servicemen and women have made in the past, continue to make, and their legacy into the future.

Anzac Day public holidays by state and territory

Anzac Day will fall on a Saturday for the first time since 2020, and states are handling the long weekend differently. Some are adding a second public holiday to preserve a three day break.

Public holiday dates are:

  • NSW: Saturday, April 25 and Monday, April 27
  • Western Australia: Saturday, April 25 and Monday, April 27
  • Australian Capital Territory: Saturday, April 25 (now confirmed) and Monday, April 27
  • Victoria: Saturday, April 25 only
  • Queensland: Saturday, April 25 only
  • South Australia: Saturday, April 25 only
  • Tasmania: Saturday, April 25 only
  • Northern Territory: Saturday, April 25 only