Anzac Day is time to remember the more than 102,000 Australians who have made the ultimate sacrifice and died in the service of our country and not for shopping, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin said, expressing his disappointment in Kmart’s application to trade on Anzac Day.

“Anzac Day draws together our community in paying tribute to the men and women who have served. It is the one day of the year we stop, as a nation, to remember their sacrifice and courage,” Mr Griffin said.

“It is unnecessary and disrespectful to open shops while our veterans march in Anzac Day parades. Shops can open on almost every other day of the year. I feel strongly that the solemnity of Anzac Day should be preserved and that commercial enterprises can be put on hold for a few hours."

“Anzac Day is a public holiday so that people are free to attend services and pay their respects. I’m pleased to say that each year we see more people attending services, including young people, paying tribute to all our servicemen and women."

“Anzac Day is an important day to honour the men and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and those who continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force, and I encourage Australians to attend a service and remember them, not to go shopping.”