Submission to the ACT Government

Australian Industry Group has made a submission to the ACT Government's consultation on public holiday arrangements when Anzac Day falls on a weekend after 2027.

We support Anzac Day continuing to be observed as a public holiday on 25 April each year, reflecting its unique national significance. However, the submission opposes creating an additional public holiday on the following Monday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

An additional public holiday would increase penalty-rate costs, disrupt production and service delivery, and add payroll, rostering and compliance complexity for businesses. The effects would be particularly significant for employers in seven-day industries, including hospitality, retail, tourism, health, care services, transport and logistics. Monday-to-Friday businesses would also face lost productive time and disruption to projects and customer commitments.

Australian Industry Group recommends that the ACT Government:

• Retain 25 April as the single Anzac Day public holiday in all years.
• Not establish an ongoing two-public-holiday model when Anzac Day falls on a weekend.
• Independently assess the economic, sectoral, and operational impacts of the additional public holiday announced for 26 April 2027 before deciding future arrangements. (Members operating in the ACT should note this announcement from the ACT government regarding Anzac Day arrangements in 2027, and can call our Workplace Advice Line with any queries on rates applicable for work on particular days or entitlements to be absent from work)
• Undertake further consultation with affected industries before considering any legislative amendments.