NSW Premier Teases Potential Extra Day Off for Millions
The government of New South Wales has revealed that discussions are underway which could grant approximately eight million residents an additional public holiday in 2026. This development comes as the significant national observance of Anzac Day is scheduled to fall on a Saturday that year, meaning the majority of Australians would not automatically receive a day off from work or education under current arrangements.
Addressing a Public Holiday Disparity
NSW Premier Chris Minns has publicly acknowledged that his state is "underserved" compared to others when it comes to the number of official days off. He confirmed that his administration is engaged in formal talks with key stakeholders, including the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), to explore the possibility of instituting a new public holiday. The Premier emphasised that any decision must be made carefully and in consultation with veterans' groups, respecting the profound significance of Anzac Day itself.
"We are underserved when it comes to public holidays, there's a lot more in every other state," Mr Minns stated during a radio interview, highlighting a long-standing point of contention for NSW residents.
The Anzac Day Conundrum for 2026
Anzac Day, observed on April 25th, is a major national day of remembrance in Australia, New Zealand, and Tonga. It commemorates all who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. For the first time since 2020, this date will fall on a weekend in 2026. Under standard rules, this means the day is not substituted with a weekday holiday for most of the country.
Currently, only Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are set to receive an additional public holiday on the following Monday in 2026. The NSW government is now examining plans to address this for both the upcoming year and 2026, seeking to align more closely with other states.
Balancing Commemoration and Celebration
Premier Minns expressed a clear desire to ensure that the sanctity of Anzac Day itself is not diminished by any move to create a separate holiday. "I'd hate for that to happen, and everyone kind of goes, 'Ah, sort of commemorate it on the Monday' ... we can't do that. It's got to be the 25th that's hugely important," he told listeners.
The day is marked by remembrance services and unique traditions, such as the legal playing of "two-up," a coin-tossing game that is generally prohibited but allowed on Anzac Day as a link to historical Digger (soldier) culture.
A National Patchwork of Public Holidays
Public holidays in Australia are determined on a state-by-state basis, leading to significant variation across the country. An analysis of the 2026 calendar reveals a stark contrast:
- New South Wales: Currently slated for 12 standard statewide public holidays.
- Victoria: Residents enjoy 14 days, including state-specific events like the day before the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup Day.
- Western Australia & Tasmania: Will have 13 public holidays.
- Australian Capital Territory & Queensland: Are set for 14 days off.
- South Australia & Northern Territory: Lead the nation with a total of 15 public holidays in 2026.
This disparity underscores the NSW government's motivation to revisit its public holiday policy. The Premier indicated that conversations are active for the current year as well, suggesting a broader review may be in progress. The final decision rests on ongoing discussions with the RSL and a commitment to honouring the true meaning of Anzac Day while addressing public sentiment for equitable time off.
