The Tasmanian Government acknowledges the unique nature of military service and the sacrifice demanded of all who commit to defend our nation. We undertake to preserve the memory and deeds of all who have served, and promise to welcome, embrace and support all serving and ex-serving personnel as respected and valued members of our community.
Supporting Tasmania's veterans
The Tasmanian Government is committed to listening and responding to the needs of Tasmania’s veteran and ex-serving community.
Today, over 17,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel and their families call Tasmania home. Veterans bring the community and economy an incredible set of knowledge, skills, capabilities and experiences. We recognise this talent contributes to the growth of the economy.
Review of the Anzac Day Observance Act 1929
Anzac Day remains one of Tasmania's most important commemorative occasions. The Anzac Day Observance Act 1929 has always recognised this by restricting the operation of certain activities and events before 12:30 pm.
This review provides an opportunity to consider whether the current legislation could better describe the activities and events that are restricted and exemptions that apply while preserving the significance and dignity of Anzac Day.
We invite feedback from veterans and ex-service organisations, businesses, community groups, local government and members of the public.
Have your say
We have prepared a discussion paper that outlines key issues and questions for consideration.
We encourage you to read the discussion paper and submit your views through our response form. Your feedback will help inform the Tasmanian Government's consideration of any future changes to the Act.
Consultation will close at 2 pm on Monday 7 December 2026.
Submit your response through the discussion paper response form or via email to veterans@dpac.tas.gov.au.
Standalone discussion paper questions
Discussion Question 1
The morning of Anzac Day will remain protected for commemoration. The review is not proposing to change the 12:30 pm time for restricting activities.
Are there any further restrictions in addition to trading and events that would enhance observance of Anzac Day?
Discussion Question 2
Is there anything else about Anzac Day observance in Tasmania that the review should consider?
Discussion Question 3
How well do the current exemptions for trading on Anzac Day operate in practice?
What criteria could be applied to determine which shops, if any, may trade before that time?
If you have applied for an exemption, what worked well and what could be improved?
Discussion Question 4
Are the existing employee protections adequate to support participation in Anzac Day observance?
If not, what additional protections should be considered?
Discussion Question 5
Should small-scale or community sporting activities be treated differently from larger or commercial sporting events before 12:30 pm?
If so, what limits should apply, for example around size, location, noise or timing?
Discussion Question 6
Are there sporting, racing or public events that could appropriately occur before 12:30 pm because they support, or are consistent with, Anzac Day commemoration?
What characteristics would distinguish those events from activities that should remain restricted?
Discussion Question 7
If a process was introduced to allow exemptions for events before 12:30 pm, what criteria and safeguards should apply?
For example, should consideration be given to an event’s size, location, timing, noise, impact on commemorative services and contribution to Anzac Day observance?
Discussion Question 8
Is there a case for establishing a new Anzac Day fund or contribution model in Tasmania?
Discussion Question 9
If Tasmania considered a new Anzac Day or veterans’ support fund, what features would be important?
Input is specifically being sought on the purpose of the support fund, the definition of eligible veteran services, how funds are distributed, possible governance and transparency measures, including outcome measures.
Tasmanian Veterans' Employment Strategy
This strategy is a whole-of-government approach that demonstrates the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to providing veterans with employment opportunities across all levels and classifications of the Tasmanian State Service.
Veteran Wellbeing Voucher Program
This free program supports participation for veterans in activities for their health and wellbeing and to develop social networks.
The program is open to eligible Tasmanian veterans and an eligible partner or spouse of a former service member. They may apply for a voucher of up to $100 to put towards the cost of registration or membership fees at participating gyms and sporting clubs.
Gyms and sports clubs will also benefit by an opportunity to grow their membership and will be reimbursed for each voucher they accept. The program is open to gyms and clubs throughout Tasmania.
Veterans’ Reference Group
The Veterans’ Reference Group was established in 2019 and provides a link between Tasmania’s veterans and the Tasmanian Government. Members provide advice, information and insights about issues affecting veterans and their families, both locally and nationally.
The role and functions of the group are in the Veterans’ Reference Group Terms of Reference (PDF 89.5KB).
Grants and education programs
Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program
The Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program provides funds to Tasmanian ex-service organisations and clubs for minor capital works and equipment purchases and welfare initiatives for veterans.
The program honours the sacrifice made by Edward 'Teddy' Sheean VC, as a representative of the many Tasmanians who gave their lives selflessly for others in the defence of our country during World War Two.
Further information about the program is on the Service Tasmania website. If you would like to be notified when this program opens next, sign up to receive grant alerts via email.
Cameron Baird VC MG Scholarship
This annual scholarship is open to students intending to enrol in years 11 or 12 at any Tasmanian school or home education at the same year level. Up to two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded to further the recipients’ education.
The scholarship is named in honour of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG who was born in Burnie and joined the Army in January 2000. He was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), Royal Australian Regiment (now the 2nd Commando Regiment).
Corporal Baird was awarded Australia’s 100th Victoria Cross for the most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice during fighting in Afghanistan on 22 June 2013, as a Commando Team Commander in Special Operations Task Group.
Further information about the scholarship is on the Service Tasmania website. If you would like to be notified when this scholarship opens next, sign up to receive grant alerts via email.
Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize
The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize aims to educate students about Tasmania's rich military history, while ensuring the remembrance and understanding of World War One is passed on to new generations. The prize is open to all Tasmanian year 9 students, as well as students completing home education at the same year level.
Find more information about the prize at the Department for Education, Children and Young People website.
Anzac Day trading
Find out about the regulations of Anzac Day trading in Tasmania.