The advantages of living in Victoria are myriad; people actually leave their homes to go to things, you’ll find a damn fine cup of coffee wherever you go and what even is a tram fare? is a legitimate public transport question, but its precipitous quality of life ratings could soon take a hit with the Victorian State government today ruling it will forgo a Monday public holiday for Anzac Day next year.
Despite falling on a Saturday, the place to be if you’re from Queensland has ruled against allowing its citizens to observe a public holiday on the following Monday.
“The purpose of Anzac Day is to respect, commemorate and remember the brave soldiers who sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” a spokeswoman for Premier Denis Napthine’s Small Business Minister Russell Northe said. “It is not about getting a day off and taking for granted the liberties our soldiers fought so bravely to protect…Anzac Day trading restrictions apply no matter which day Anzac Day falls, as a mark of respect and to commemorate those who served and those who have fallen.”
It’s a valid argument but if you’re following along at home, no extra day was granted the last time Anzac Day fell on a Saturday five years ago. However, the following year an extra day was observed when it fell on a Sunday. Go figure.
Apparently the potential silver lining here is that “Victoria’s Labor opposition has pledged that if it wins the November 29 election it will introduce a public holiday on the Friday before the AFL grand final.”
Via The Age
