Australians Likely to Miss Weekday Off for Anzac Day 2026
Anzac Day is a significant national event in Australia, celebrated annually on April 25. In 2026, the day will fall on a Saturday, which means many Australians will not receive a weekday off. However, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Western Australia (WA) will observe a public holiday on Monday, April 27.
Public Holiday Observance in 2026
The ACT government has mandated that the public holiday be transferred to the Monday following Anzac Day. Commemorative events will still take place on Saturday, April 25. In contrast, WA’s government has declared both Saturday and Monday as public holidays.
- ACT: Public holiday on April 27.
- WA: Public holidays on April 25 and April 27.
State Legislation and Anzac Day
The handling of Anzac Day public holidays varies across Australia, largely due to state legislation. In Queensland, South Australia, WA, the Northern Territory, and the ACT, people receive a Monday off when Anzac Day falls on a Sunday. Unfortunately, residents of New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria do not benefit from this substitution.
In Queensland, only the Minister for Industrial Relations can substitute another day for a public holiday if Anzac Day falls on a Saturday. As of January 2026, Minister Jarrod Bleijie confirmed that no alternate day would be designated.
Public Holiday Schedule Across Australia
While Anzac Day is distinctive, other public holidays are widely observed nationwide. Here’s a summary of upcoming public holidays in Australia:
| Date | Holiday | Observed In |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | All states |
| January 26 | Australia Day | All states |
| April 3 | Good Friday | All states |
| April 6 | Easter Monday | All states |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | All states |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | All states |
Planning Annual Leave
To maximize time off, Australians can strategically plan their annual leave to align with public holidays. For instance, taking four days of leave in early April could result in a 10-day holiday including the Good Friday and Easter breaks. Similarly, careful planning during the Christmas season may allow for extended breaks with minimal annual leave used.
Understanding holiday structures and taking advantage of them can significantly enhance time away from work for Australian employees. For further updates and details on public holidays, visit Filmogaz.com.
