No Anzac Day holiday on following Monday for Queensland
Queensland will not celebrate Anzac Day as a public holiday on weekdays, and commemorations will continue on Saturday, April 25, upon the decision of Prime Minister David Crisafulli.
The national military commemoration day falls on a Saturday this year, prompting many states and territories, including NSW, Western Australia and the ACT, to move their public bank holiday to the following Monday.
On Sunday, Crisafulli confirmed his government’s decision not to pursue the case.
“I believe it’s really important for people to keep that day sacred… It’s about making sure we honor those service men and women, and it’s a really special day for the nation, and I think it’s important that we do that on that day.”
Greens MP Michael Berkman, who raised the question of postponing the public holiday when asked in parliament last week, said the government had “no good reason” for one less public holiday in the state this year.
“Queensland is postponing the Anzac Day public holiday because it already falls on Sunday the 25th. [NSW] “We can do it, why can’t we?” Berkman explained this imprint.
“No one is suggesting that we move Anzac Day or related services from the 25th, we are just saying that Monday should be a public holiday.
“The Queen’s lands are working harder than ever. They deserve a break from work and the opportunity to commemorate Anzac Day.”
If a public holiday in Queensland falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. This rule does not apply to most public holidays that fall on Saturdays.
Information on the state government websiteHowever, it states that if the Australia Day public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it will be celebrated the following Monday.
Queenslanders interviewed by this imprint were unsure whether this was the right decision for the state.
“You’ve got a Saturday to walk, you’ve got a Sunday to think, do you really need a Monday? There’s a pro and a con in everything and I’d hate to think that people just look at it as an off day,” Ray Donovan said.
Sandstone Point pensioner Brian Boyd did not think more bank holidays were necessary, saying there were “more than enough” holidays on the calendar.
Local James Warhurst thought all states and territories should take a united stance and did not think an additional holiday would diminish the importance of the date.
“We should all be united on Anzac Day, not divide the country… we either divide it or we don’t. But I think we should have Monday off.”
This year’s calendar had 10 public holidays, including the Ekka holiday.
Start your day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
