ACT guarantees Anzac Day off every year, adds Monday when needed
The ACT Government introduced legislation to make Anzac Day a guaranteed public holiday each year.
The ACT Legislative Assembly moved to make Anzac Day a permanent public holiday on 25 April. When it falls on a weekend, the following Monday will also be a public holiday.
The government says this change will protect workers and give employers certainty. Canberra's peak business body opposes the extra Monday.
It warns the change would cut productivity by up to $35 million yearly. Employers would need to pay penalty rates of 125 to 200 per cent higher to stay open.
Minister Michael Pettersson said Anzac Day deserves the same treatment as Boxing Day. Today, extra public holidays are declared case-by-case.
The new permanent arrangement would settle the matter now. Anzac Day will not fall on a weekend again until 2032.
- $30 million to $35 million yearly
- Productivity cost estimate
- 125 to 200 per cent higher
- Wage cost increase
- 2032
- Next weekend occurrence
- Canberra Business Chamber
- Opposition source
Why it mattersThe change affects when Australians get time off. It raises significant costs for ACT businesses already facing cost pressures.
AustraliaACT residents gain guaranteed public holidays and time to mark Anzac Day; businesses face new wage and planning costs.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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