SUBSTITUTE PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR VICTORIANS IN 2010 AND 2011.

Victorians will receive a substitute public holiday for ANZAC Day in 2010 and 2011, following a Council for the Australian Federation (CAF) agreement to increase harmonisation of all Australian states and territories’ approach to ANZAC Day.

The Premier, John Brumby, said that under the CAF agreement Victorians would have a substitute public holiday on the following Monday when ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday in 2010 and a substitute public holiday on the following Tuesday when ANZAC Day falls on Easter Monday in 2011.

“ANZAC Day holds a special place for so many Victorians, each year providing the opportunity for us all to remember and learn more about the sacrifices made by our veterans and to keep their memory alive in our community,” Mr Brumby said.

“While all states and territories have legislation in place that prescribes Anzac Day as a public holiday on April 25, there have been varied approaches to whether a holiday is observed the  following Monday when Anzac Day falls on a Sunday.

“This new agreement is a positive and practical outcome that increases harmonisation of the Anzac Day holiday across state borders, removes some anomalies between the states and means that in 2010 and 2011, Victorians will get a substitute holiday when ANZAC day falls on Sunday and Easter Monday respectively.”

Mr Brumby said that all commemorative events associated with ANZAC day would continue to be observed on 25 April.

“It is important that the commemoration of ANZAC day continue to occur on 25 April,” he said.

Small Business Minister Joe Helper said the early agreement would provide businesses with the clarity and capacity to plan ahead.

“Public holidays are important to Victorians and this agreement is in keeping with the historical practice in Victoria and the original intention for ANZAC day to be a time for the community to participate in commemorative activities,” Mr Helper said.

The Government will continue to monitor Victoria’s legislative framework to ensure that ANZAC day commemorative events are adequately protected.

Under the CAF agreement, there will be a substitute public holiday on Monday 26 April in 2010 because ANZAC day falls on Sunday 25 April and a substitute public holiday on Tuesday 26 April, 2011 when ANZAC day falls on Easter Monday in 2011.