SOUTH-west Victorians will not get an extra public holiday next year to mark Anzac Day despite it falling on a Saturday.
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Nor should we.
Both the Coalition state government and opposition aren’t planning to legislate for a public holiday on the Monday, preferring the day to be observed on the most significant date on the Australian calendar.
A state government spokeswoman rightfully said Anzac Day was about respecting, commemorating and remembering brave soldiers who sacrificed so much for fellow Australians.
“It is not about getting a day off and taking for granted the liberties our soldiers fought so bravely to protect,” she said.
April 25 next year marks the centenary of Anzac Day and it is only right we observe the day properly. A public holiday two days later would just devalue the emphasis and importance the nation is putting on the actual day.
Too many people these days are unaware of the real reasons why they have a day off work or school. But every Australian knows about Anzac Day. It is our national day and it should be observed on that day. In recent years the AFL has dedicated a round of matches to Anzac Day and it has seemed somewhat odd the Last Post is played on April 26.
The last time Anzac Day fell on a Saturday in 2009, there was no public holiday the following Monday. But in 2010 when it fell on a Sunday, the Monday was a public holiday.
The precedent was set in 2009. Mistakes from 2010 clearly have been learnt by both sides of state politics. The same can’t be said for Western Australia where a public holiday is being planned for April 27 next year.
Unfortunately, the Victorian stance is inconsistent with many other public holidays. Australia Day is the perfect example. It is observed on January 26 and this year when it fell on a Sunday, the Monday was a public holiday.
If a date is significant, it should remain so and not be bastardised as an excuse to be lazy.
April 25 is Anzac Day, not a public holiday on April 26 or 27. End of argument.