Residents of the Australian Capital Territory will receive an extra day off in 2026, with the government confirming a Monday public holiday following Anzac Day.
The decision comes as Anzac Day falls on a Saturday, April 25, 2026, prompting the territory to declare Monday, April 27, as an official public holiday.
Preserving Significance While Ensuring Consistency
ACT Industrial Relations Minister Michael Pettersson announced the administrative change, emphasising that it maintains the importance of Anzac Day while providing consistency for workers and businesses.
"Moving the observance of the public holiday to the Monday is an administrative change that doesn't change the meaning of Anzac Day," Mr Pettersson said.
"Above all, Anzac Day is one of the most significant days in our national calendar and is a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who fought."
What This Means for Canberra Residents
The arrangement ensures that all commemorative services and dawn ceremonies will still take place on Saturday, April 25, the actual anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
Meanwhile, workers and students will enjoy the public holiday on the following Monday, creating a long weekend while respecting the solemn nature of the occasion.
This brings the total number of public holidays in the ACT for 2026 to fourteen, providing an additional day off for the territory's residents compared to other jurisdictions that may not observe the Monday following a weekend Anzac Day.
The decision aligns with how other days of national significance are treated when they fall on weekends, ensuring workers don't miss out on public holiday entitlements simply because of the calendar.
