Public holidays are often a great chance for all of us, including business owners who often spend most of their weekends working, to take a break and stop for a minute. Some states provide an additional day off when a public holiday falls on a weekend. This year, Anzac Day falls on Sunday, 25 April.
Most modern awards provide that an employee who works on a public holiday must be paid a penalty rate of double time and a half. For advice about the award that covers your workers, please contact the Ai Group Workplace Advice Line.
What is the significance of ANZAC Day?
“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.
ANZAC Day is a day to commemorate those who lost their lives in service, and this can take place on any day, including a weekend.
Do we get an additional public holiday on Monday for Anzac Day in 2021?
Each state and territory has its own legislation that deals with public holidays.
The following states observe ANZAC Day on 25 April, regardless of whether that day is a weekend:
- New South Wales;
- Tasmania; and
- Victoria.
If an employee works on Sunday 25 April in the above states, they will receive public holiday penalty rates.
When ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is the public holiday in:
- Northern Territory;
- Australian Capital Territory; and
- Queensland.
If an employee in these states/territories works on Monday 26 April, they will be paid the public holiday penalty rates on that day only. Sunday 25 April is regarded as a normal day.
South Australia and Western Australia are the only states that provide an additional public holiday on the following Monday when ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday. If an employee works on both Sunday 25 April and Monday 26 April, they will be paid the public holiday penalty rate on both days.
Further advice or assistance
For further advice or assistance on this topic, or any workplace relations matter, contact the Ai Group Workplace Advice Line on 1300 862 217 8.30am-5:15pm AEST Monday to Friday.