What is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is observed on 25 April each year and marks the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in 1915 in World War I. It is a national day of remembrance that honours the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand defence personnel.
The day commemorates the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and throughout World War I, as well as all who served in later conflicts. Communities mark the occasion through Anzac Day dawn services, parades, marches and ceremonies.
History of Anzac Day
The origins of Anzac Day date back to World War I, when Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Although the campaign resulted in significant casualties, the courage, resilience and endurance displayed by the troops came to symbolise the Anzac spirit.
Over time, Anzac Day expanded from a remembrance of Gallipoli to a national occasion honouring all service members who lost their lives in military operations. The day holds deep historical significance in both Australia and New Zealand, as it reflects the shared experiences of both nations during the First World War.
Memorials such as the Australian War Memorial preserve the stories of the Gallipoli campaign and continue to educate future generations about the impact of war. The history of Anzac Day emphasises unity, sacrifice and national identity.
Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April
Anzac Day commemorations take place across Australia and New Zealand and often begin with the dawn service. Large crowds gather before sunrise to honour the moment when the original ANZACs landed in 1915. Ceremonies and memorial services include the Last Post, a minute of silence and the Ode of Remembrance. Many people attend local Anzac Day parades, marches, memorial services and community ceremonies organised by the Returned and Services League.
The national commemorative service and the dawn service are usually broadcast live and attended by veterans, families, school groups, public officials and community organisations. These events preserve the Anzac tradition and ensure that the history of the campaign remains widely recognised.
Trading on Anzac Day
Anzac Day is a public holiday in every state and territory, but trading restrictions differ across jurisdictions. In most places, businesses that are not exempt must remain closed until at least 1pm. Some industries are permitted to open without restriction, including pharmacies, service stations, restaurants, cafés and small essential businesses.
Non-compliance with trading rules can result in penalties, so employers must confirm local regulations in advance. Planning ahead ensures that rosters, staffing levels and operational requirements remain compliant with the relevant state or territory laws.
Anzac Day and employment considerations
Employment arrangements for public holidays, including Anzac Day, are generally guided by the Fair Work Act, modern awards and enterprise agreements. In many workplaces, full-time and part-time employees may receive payment for a public holiday if it falls on a day they usually work, while casual employees typically receive payment only when they work on the day itself. Depending on the award or agreement, additional rates or conditions may also apply.
Anzac Day occurs on 25 April each year. When it falls on a weekend, several states and territories designate a substitute or additional public holiday on the following Monday, while others recognise only the actual date. These differences can influence how pay, rosters and leave arrangements are managed within a workplace.
Public holiday pay considerations
Public holiday pay arrangements can vary depending on the applicable award or enterprise agreement. Many full-time and part-time employees may receive payment for a public holiday if it falls on a day they would ordinarily work, while casual employees who work on the day may receive a higher rate depending on the industrial instrument that applies to their role. Because requirements differ across awards and agreements, businesses often review the relevant industrial instrument to understand how public holiday rates are set. Some employers also refer to tools such as the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Calculator for guidance on minimum rates, loadings and other pay-related factors.
When Anzac Day falls during leave
In many awards and agreements, a public holiday that occurs during a period of annual leave is treated separately from the leave balance, meaning the day is generally recognised as a public holiday rather than deducted from annual leave. As arrangements can vary across workplaces, employers and employees often refer to their award or agreement to understand how public holidays interact with leave entitlements and record-keeping requirements.
Managing leave requests around Anzac Day
April is a popular month for employees to request leave because Easter and Anzac Day often fall close together. Employees who request leave may aim to create a long weekend or a short break using a minimal number of leave days. While these arrangements can support wellbeing and work-life balance, they can also create challenges for businesses during peak periods.
Employers benefit from encouraging employees to plan leave in advance so that staffing levels remain stable. High leave balances increase financial risk because unused leave is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet. Encouraging employees to use annual leave helps balance operational needs and supports well-being.
Some employers use this period to provide development opportunities for junior staff who temporarily step into senior responsibilities. This can support internal capability building during quieter phases of the year.
Considering leave requests
Leave requests may sometimes be declined based on factors such as operational needs, staffing levels, peak business periods or the amount of notice provided. Guidance from workplace relations bodies, including the Fair Work Commission, outlines how these factors may be assessed in determining whether a refusal is considered reasonable.
Many businesses choose to set out their approach in a written leave policy to support consistent decision-making and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings.
Work on public holidays under the Fair Work Act
Under the Fair Work Act, employers can ask employees to work on a public holiday, and employees may decline such a request, with each situation generally assessed on what is considered reasonable. Common considerations include personal circumstances, family responsibilities, operational requirements and how public holiday work is compensated under the relevant award or agreement.
Notifying employees ahead of time is widely regarded as a helpful way to maintain clear expectations and support planning around public holiday periods.
Supporting employees on Anzac Day
Anzac Day holds personal significance for many employees, particularly those with family connections to military service. Employers can support staff through flexible arrangements that allow attendance at dawn services, morning parades or community events.
Workplaces may hold brief internal acknowledgments or observe a moment of silence. These practices foster respect, cultural awareness and inclusion. Employers may also consider offering employee assistance services for individuals who experience emotional challenges during commemorative periods.
Anzac Day and community engagement
Anzac Day ceremonies are often community led. Parades, marches, fundraisers and school events help reinforce public understanding of the significance of the day. Employers can support community involvement by sharing details of local services or encouraging participation in events held by the Returned and Services League, the Australian War Memorial or local community groups.
Community involvement strengthens workplace culture and reinforces national values associated with the Anzac tradition.
Rostering and workforce planning for Anzac Day
Effective rostering is essential for organisations that operate on public holidays or rely on weekend staffing. Planning several weeks in advance ensures that employers remain compliant with trading laws and have enough staff to meet operational needs. Clear communication about expected work hours, public holiday penalty rates and rostering procedures helps prevent misunderstandings.
A transparent rostering policy assists employers in managing fairness, particularly when employees wish to avoid or volunteer for public holiday shifts. Some workplaces invite employees to express interest in working public holidays, and others use rotating rosters to distribute public holiday work evenly.
Employers in essential services, such as healthcare or logistics, often use detailed workforce management plans to maintain continuity of operations. Documentation helps clarify staffing expectations and supports compliance with workplace laws.
Employee well-being and workplace culture on Anzac Day
Employee well-being is an important consideration during commemorative periods. Anzac Day can trigger emotional responses for individuals with personal or family histories linked to military service. Employers can support well-being by offering flexible arrangements, allowing employees to attend ceremonies or providing access to employee assistance programs.
Employers who acknowledge the meaning of the day demonstrate respect for cultural values and contribute to a positive workplace environment. Recognition of the Anzac tradition can strengthen workplace culture and reinforce organisational commitment to supporting employees.
Anzac Day and workplace communication
Clear communication is crucial for managing employee expectations around public holiday obligations. Employers benefit from sending early reminders that outline trading hours, rostering requirements, public holiday entitlements and leave procedures. Advance communication reduces confusion and supports positive employee relations.
Employers may also communicate information about local ceremonies, community events and internal acknowledgments. This helps employees feel informed and respected.
Internal communication channels such as staff newsletters, intranet announcements and roster updates can help ensure that employees understand operational plans. Making information available early supports compliance and fosters a well-organised workplace.
Anzac Day and diversity considerations
Workplaces in Australia often employ people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Some employees may be new to Australia and unfamiliar with the meaning of Anzac Day. Employers can support cultural understanding by providing clear explanations of the day’s significance and the purpose of national commemorations.
Inclusive communication helps all employees participate respectfully, regardless of cultural background. Providing information about the Gallipoli campaign, the history of the ANZACs and the importance of the dawn service can help create an inclusive environment.
Employers can also support employees who observe other cultural traditions during the year by treating commemorative practices consistently and respectfully.
