Chocolate Eggs, ANZAC Biscuits and Public Holidays

| March 4, 2026

Further to our January article about public holidays in 2026, and with Easter approaching next month, we have prepared the table below to assist employers in identifying the public holidays that apply in each State and Territory.

Public holidays create employment obligations, including paid days off for permanent employees and penalty rates of pay*. Public holidays may also impact trading hours. 

Table 1: Easter Public Holidays by Jurisdiction

ANZAC Day also falls next month in April. The table below outlines when ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday in each jurisdiction.

As shown in the table below, in some jurisdictions the public holiday remains on 25 April, even though it falls on a weekend. A substitute public holiday is not provided in most States and Territories, except in Tasmania where the Monday is observed as the public holiday instead of Saturday, 25 April.

Employers located in, or operating in, New South Wales and Western Australia should note that in addition to 25 April being a public holiday, Monday 27 April is also recognised as a public holiday.

Check the relevant Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement that applies to your employees for further details.

Table 2: ANZAC Day Public Holidays by Jurisdiction