Here are the latest developments on Anzac Day public holidays in Australia:
- New South Wales (NSW) has announced an extra public holiday for Anzac Day weekend when the day falls on a weekend, effectively creating a long weekend for 2026 and 2027. This means NSW residents will have the following Monday off in 2026 (April 27) and in 2027 (April 26) in addition to the national dawn services on April 25.[2][5]
- The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Western Australia are aligning with this approach, offering a Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday, while other states and territories have varied or no substitute days off.[5][2]
- Public communication from NSW officials emphasizes that the Monday holiday is separate from Anzac Day itself and aims to preserve the commemorative focus on April 25 while providing a long weekend for families and service personnel.[5]
- National coverage confirms that Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania did not adopt an overarching substitute Monday holiday for 2026 when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, leading to a mixed landscape across states.[6][7]
- For workplace rights and entitlements, the Fair Work Ombudsman provides state-by-state guidance on public holidays, noting that entitlements can vary by jurisdiction and that workers should check local schedules and modern awards for specific rules.[9]
Illustration of the situation:
- If you’re in NSW on Anzac Day weekend in 2026 (Anzac Day falls on Saturday), you’ll likely have Monday, April 27 as a public holiday, creating a long weekend for many residents.[2][5]
- If you’re in Victoria, SA, Queensland, or Tasmania, you may not receive a substitute Monday holiday in the same year, so Anzac Day observances and closures will follow the state’s existing rules.[7][6]
Would you like a concise state-by-state table of 2026 public holiday dates for Anzac Day and any substitute Monday holidays, plus quick notes on when services and closures typically occur in each state? I can compile that with exact dates and caveats.
Citations:
- NSW, ACT and WA Monday holiday for Anzac Day weekend (2026–2027)[2][5]
- NSW public holiday policy details and rationale[5]
- State-by-state variability and Victoria/SA/QLD/Tasmania status[6][7]
- Workplace entitlements and public holiday guidance[9]
Sources
Victorians will join other states and territories missing out on an Anzac Day public holiday this year after the government decided not to add a substitute day off on Monday, April 27.NSW Premier Chris Minns yesterday announced a substitute public holiday for 2026 and 2027, when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday and Sunday respectively."Anzac Day on 25 April is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not ch…
ground.newsWith Anzac Day falling on a weekend this year, an extra public holiday has been announced for the people of NSW.
www.sbs.com.auState government in talks with RSL to ensure the creation of long weekend doesn't detract from national day of remembrance
www.theguardian.comAnzac Day retail trading hours vary across Australia, with one state imposing new restrictions.
www.sbs.com.auPublic holidays for Anzac Day are different in some states and territories in 2026. Find your dates and where to go for information on workplace entitlements.
www.fairwork.gov.auAnzac Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, with NSW, ACT and WA granting an extra public holiday on Monday, April 27. Learn who gets the long weekend.
colitco.com