Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? Everything You Need to Know About Trading Hours, Surcharges, and Public Holiday Pay
Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? Everything You Need to Know About Trading Hours, Surcharges, and Public Holiday Pay
Anzac Day, observed annually on April 25th, is one of Australia’s and New Zealand’s most significant national occasions. It is a day of remembrance, a day to honor the sacrifices of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. However, beyond the solemnity of the Dawn Service and the Gunfire Breakfast, there is often significant confusion surrounding the logistics of the day. Because Anzac Day is tied to a fixed date rather than a specific day of the week, many Australians find themselves asking: "Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday?" and "Do I get a day off if it falls on a weekend?"
Navigating the complexities of public holiday laws in Australia can be challenging, as the rules differ significantly between states and territories. Furthermore, the impact on retail trading hours, hospitality surcharges, and employee pay rates creates a ripple effect throughout the economy. Whether you are a business owner trying to stay compliant, an employee wondering about your penalty rates, or a consumer planning a grocery run, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the upcoming Anzac Day observances.
When is Anzac Day Observed? The Saturday vs. Monday Confusion
The core of the confusion usually lies in "substitution" or "additional" public holiday rules. Unlike holidays like Australia Day or Christmas, which often result in a Monday holiday if they fall on a weekend, Anzac Day is handled differently across the country. The sentiment behind this is that Anzac Day is a day of commemoration that belongs specifically to April 25th.
State-by-State Holiday Rules
If April 25th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the "long weekend" status depends entirely on where you live. Here is how the states generally handle a weekend Anzac Day:
- Western Australia (WA) and the ACT: These regions are typically the most generous with weekend holidays. If Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is usually declared a public holiday.
- Queensland (QLD) and the Northern Territory (NT): In these jurisdictions, if Anzac Day falls on a Sunday, a public holiday is typically observed on the following Monday. However, if it falls on a Saturday, there is usually no additional holiday on the Monday.
- New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), South Australia (SA), and Tasmania (TAS): Historically, these states are more restrictive. If Anzac Day falls on a weekend, the "public holiday" for the purposes of pay and closures is the weekend day itself. There is often no Monday holiday substituted, meaning workers who work a standard Monday-Friday week do not get an extra day off.
For 2025, Anzac Day (April 25) falls on a Friday. This creates a natural long weekend for the entire country, simplifying the "Saturday or Monday" debate for this year. However, it is vital to keep the aforementioned rules in mind for future years when the date cycles back to the weekend.
Retail Trading Hours: What’s Open and When?
Anzac Day is considered a "restricted" trading day across Australia. This means that most major retailers are legally required to remain closed for at least the first half of the day. The rationale is to allow employees to attend dawn services and pay their respects without the pressure of work.
Supermarkets and Department Stores
Major chains like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi, along with department stores like Kmart and Myer, typically follow these patterns:
- NSW, VIC, and QLD: Most stores are closed until 1:00 PM. After 1:00 PM, major supermarkets usually open with slightly reduced evening hours.
- South Australia: SA has some of the strictest trading laws. Many metropolitan supermarkets remain closed for the entire day, while those in regional areas or "exempt" small businesses may open after midday.
- Western Australia: Most major retailers in Perth are closed for the entire day on Anzac Day, though small "exempt" shops (like local IGAs) may open.
Exempt Businesses
Not every business is forced to close. Generally, "essential" or "small-scale" businesses are exempt from restricted trading hours. These include:
- Pharmacies and chemists.
- Petrol stations.
- Cafes, restaurants, and bars (though they often have specific liquor licensing restrictions).
- Florists and newsagencies.
- Greengrocers and small independent grocery stores.
| Fitur/Aspek | Deskripsi |
|---|---|
| Date of Observance | Always April 25th, regardless of the day of the week. |
| Monday Holiday? | Only in specific states (like WA/ACT) if the 25th is a weekend. For 2025 (Friday), it is a national long weekend. |
| Retail Trading | Restricted. Most major shops open only after 1:00 PM. |
| Penalty Rates | Public holiday rates apply (often 200-250% of base pay). |
| Public Surcharges | 10% to 15% surcharge common in cafes and restaurants. |
| Service Focus | Morning focus on Dawn Services; afternoon focus on RSL clubs and Two-Up. |
The "Public Holiday Surcharge": Why Your Coffee Costs More
If you head out for brunch or a beer after the march, you will likely notice a small note at the bottom of the menu stating: "A 10% surcharge applies on public holidays." While this can be a point of frustration for consumers, it is a direct result of the high cost of labor on these days.
Is it Legal?
Yes, it is entirely legal under Australian Consumer Law, provided it is displayed clearly. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stipulates that businesses do not necessarily have to provide a separate menu, but the surcharge must be displayed "transparently and prominently." You shouldn't be surprised by the fee when the bill arrives; it should be mentioned on the menu or at the point of sale.
Why do Businesses Charge It?
Because Anzac Day is a public holiday, staff working in the hospitality sector are entitled to penalty rates. These rates are often double time or double time and a half. For a small cafe, paying a barista $50–$60 per hour instead of $25–$30 makes it difficult to turn a profit without adjusting prices. The surcharge helps bridge the gap so the business can remain open and serve the community.
Public Holiday Pay: Your Rights as an Employee
For those who are called into work on Anzac Day, the financial incentive is usually significant. Under the Fair Work Act and various modern awards, working on a public holiday entitles you to higher pay.
Penalty Rates
While every "Award" (the legal document outlining pay for your specific industry) is different, the standard public holiday rates are as follows:
- Full-time and Part-time employees: Usually paid 250% (double time and a half) of their base rate. Some may receive "time off in lieu" (TOIL) instead of the extra cash.
- Casual employees: Usually paid 250% to 275%, which includes their casual loading.
What if You Don't Work?
If you are a full-time or part-time employee and Anzac Day falls on a day you would normally work, you are entitled to the day off with your base rate of pay. However, if the holiday falls on a day you wouldn't normally work (e.g., a Saturday for a Monday-Friday office worker), you typically do not get paid for it unless your state has declared a substitute holiday on the Monday.
The Right to Refuse
Under the Fair Work Act, an employer can make a "reasonable request" for an employee to work on a public holiday. However, an employee can refuse if the request is "unreasonable" or if the employee has "reasonable grounds" to refuse (such as family responsibilities or the short notice of the request).
Anzac Day Etiquette and Activities
While the logistics of shops and pay are important, it is essential to remember the spirit of the day. Anzac Day is not just "another holiday."
Two-Up: The Only Day You Can Gamble in a Pub
Anzac Day is the only day of the year when the traditional gambling game "Two-Up" is legal in pubs and RSL clubs across Australia. This game was played extensively by soldiers in the trenches of WWI. If you plan on playing, remember that it usually only begins after the marches have concluded, often starting around 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM.
The Dawn Service and Marches
Most major cities and regional towns hold a Dawn Service (typically around 4:30 AM to 5:30 AM). Following this, there are community marches where veterans, their descendants, and current service members walk through the streets. If you are attending, it is customary to wear medals on the right side if they belonged to a relative, or on the left side if they are your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Anzac Day a public holiday on Monday if it falls on a Saturday?
In most states, like NSW and Victoria, there is no substitute Monday holiday if Anzac Day falls on a Saturday. However, in Western Australia and the ACT, a Monday holiday is typically provided. Always check your specific state government's "Public Holidays" website for the most accurate annual update.
2. Are supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles open on Anzac Day?
Yes, but usually only after 1:00 PM. In some states like South Australia or Western Australia, major supermarkets in metropolitan areas might stay closed all day. Small convenience stores and IGAs are generally exempt and may open earlier.
3. Do I have to pay a surcharge at cafes on Anzac Day?
Most hospitality venues apply a 10-15% surcharge on public holidays to cover the cost of staff penalty rates. This is legal as long as it is clearly displayed on the menu or at the entrance.
4. Will public transport run on Anzac Day?
Yes, but it usually operates on a Sunday/Public Holiday timetable. Many cities offer free travel for veterans and their families on Anzac Day to help them attend services and marches.
Conclusion
Understanding whether Anzac Day is Saturday or Monday depends heavily on the calendar year and your specific Australian state. For 2025, the Friday date provides a clear national holiday, but the complexities of retail trading and employment law remain. Shops will generally remain closed until 1:00 PM to honor the morning’s commemorative events, and if you choose to dine out, you should expect to see public holiday surcharges on your bill.
For employees, Anzac Day represents a significant opportunity for penalty rates, while for employers, it requires careful navigation of Fair Work requirements. Ultimately, regardless of the trading hours or the extra pay, Anzac Day remains a cornerstone of Australian culture—a time to reflect on the bravery of those who came before us. Plan your shopping ahead of time, check your local council for march schedules, and take a moment to appreciate the freedom that this day commemorates.
Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? And what about shops, surcharges and pay?
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