A share of ticket revenue from major sporting events held in Tasmania on Anzac Day could go towards supporting veterans’ organisations under a review of the state’s 97-year-old Anzac Day laws.
The Tasmanian government has opened public consultation on the Anzac Day Observance Act 1929, which restricts most shop trading, sport and many public events before 12:30pm on April 25.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Gavin Pearce said the government would explore directing a percentage of ticket sales or gate takings from major Anzac Day sporting events into a veterans’ fund.
Tasmania has tried something similar before. The Anzac Day Trust was established in 1970 to receive a share of profits from Anzac Day race meetings.
But those meetings rarely made a profit and the trust came to rely on government funding. It was wound up in 2020.
The review was announced just weeks after the law forced the AFL to push back the start of Hawthorn’s Anzac Day match in Launceston to 12:30pm.
The discussion paper says feedback has highlighted confusion among businesses about the law and inconsistencies in how it applies.
Small shops outside shopping centres can open on Anzac Day morning, but similar shops inside centres must apply to the minister for permission unless another exemption applies.
The government has ruled out changing the 12:30pm cut-off.
“We need to make it easier for businesses and organisations to understand their requirements and clearly outline when they need to seek approval to operate, trade or hold events on Anzac Day,” Pearce said.
“But, the significance of ANZAC Day and the sacrifice made by those diggers, must remain front and centre.”
Submissions close at 2pm on Monday, December 7.
