The New South Wales government is actively considering the introduction of an additional public holiday to align with Anzac Day falling on a weekend, Premier Chris Minns has confirmed. This move would bring NSW into line with Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, which already observe a Monday holiday following Anzac Day when it occurs on a Saturday.
Conversations Underway for 2024 and 2027
Premier Minns revealed on Thursday that his administration is initiating discussions about implementing this change not only for the current year but also looking ahead to 2027. Speaking to Triple M radio, the premier emphasised that NSW residents are currently "underserved" compared to other states when it comes to public holiday entitlements.
Preserving the Significance of Anzac Day
A crucial aspect of these considerations involves consultations with the Returned and Services League (RSL) to ensure that creating a long weekend does not diminish the solemn importance of Anzac Day itself. Premier Minns stressed that the 25th of April must remain the focal point of commemorations, stating he needs "confidence that it's not going to detract from the salience of the 25th."
The premier acknowledged that while remembrance services will proceed nationwide on April 25th, only residents of Western Australia and ACT currently receive the additional Monday public holiday benefit. This discrepancy has prompted the NSW government to re-evaluate its public holiday calendar.
NSW's Public Holiday Landscape
Currently, Anzac Day represents one of ten public holidays recognised across Australia in 2026. Most Australians receive an additional three or four public holidays beyond these national observances. For instance, residents of Victoria, Queensland, ACT and South Australia all enjoy these extra days.
However, New South Wales has only two additional public holidays: the King's Birthday in June and Labour Day in October. This places NSW behind many other jurisdictions in terms of public holiday provisions. In contrast, Christmas Island celebrates an impressive six extra public holidays, including two dedicated to Chinese New Year celebrations in mid-February.
Broader Implications and Responses
The Victorian government, which similarly does not observe the Monday holiday following Anzac Day, has been contacted for comment regarding NSW's potential policy shift. Business groups have also been approached for their perspectives on the economic implications of an additional public holiday.
Premier Minns's announcement signals a potential rebalancing of public holiday entitlements across Australian states, with NSW potentially joining Western Australia and ACT in providing workers with an extended weekend to commemorate Anzac Day while maintaining the dignity and significance of the national day of remembrance.
