Anzac Day rights and pay – what you need to know
Retail workers get a full day off – with pay – this Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April 2026.
New laws have commenced that prevent most retailers trading on Anzac Day from 25 April 2025.
Following our advocacy, new laws commenced last year which now require all general retail shops to remain closed on Anzac Day, including in gazetted tourist trading areas.
Previously, general retailers have been able to open for trade after 1pm on Anzac Day. This is no longer the case.
A small number of shops are allowed to open for trade if they have a restricted trading exemption. This includes fast food, petrol, liquor, chemists, “small shops” and other classes of “exempt” shops.
Anzac Day is a day for remembering, not shopping.
What does this mean for me?
- Full-time & Part-time employees: If Anzac Day falls on a day you would normally be rostered to work, you are entitled to paid time off. You will be paid your base or relevant rate of pay for the hours you would have worked.
- Casuals: Casuals cannot be required to work this Anzac Day.
What is a restricted trading exemption?
- Retailers with a restricted trading exemption may open for trade. This includes fast food, petrol, liquor, chemists, “small shops” and other classes of “exempt” shops.
- Even if your store is allowed to lawfully trade on the day it must be staffed only by workers who have freely elected to work. You cannot be required to work.
- So-called holiday resort areas no longer apply on Anzac Day and general shops in these areas must close for trade all day.
NEW ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCED – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Big news! The NSW Minns Labor Government announced, there will be an additional public holiday on the Monday after Anzac Day in 2026 and 2027!
This year, Monday 27 April 2026, will be a public holiday.
This announcement is on top of the win last year on Anzac Day trading restrictions and is a welcome step toward closing the gap.
For more information, please see details below.
What does this mean for me?
- Full-time & Part-time employees: If you work, public holiday penalty rates and entitlements apply. Permanent employees whose roster includes the public holiday as a working day but does not work, you will be paid your base or relevant rate of pay for the hours you would have worked.
- Casuals: If you work, public holiday penalty rates and entitlements apply.
If you have any questions, your store opens for trade unlawfully or if you are coerced or pressured in any way to work on the day, please contact our office immediately on 1300 SDA HELP or email [email protected].