New South Wales could be on the verge of introducing a significant new public holiday, with Premier Chris Minns indicating the state government is actively considering a policy change. This move would see NSW align with jurisdictions like Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory by granting workers a Monday off when Anzac Day falls on a weekend.
Government Weighs Up Holiday Alignment
Speaking during an interview on Triple M Breakfast radio on Thursday, Premier Minns confirmed that the proposal is under serious review. He highlighted that NSW currently lacks a provision for a substitute holiday when April 25th lands on a Saturday or Sunday, putting it out of step with other parts of the country.
'We've never had it if it's fallen on a weekend,' Minns stated. 'But Western Australia and the ACT have recently changed it, so that if it's a Saturday or a Sunday, then you get the following Monday off.'
Consultation with Veterans' Groups Essential
The Premier was careful to stress that no final decision has been made, emphasising the need for thorough consultation. He specifically pointed to discussions with RSL NSW as a crucial next step before any policy is finalised.
'I'm not committing to that today, because I think that this is a decision that we've got to make with the RSL in particular,' Minns explained. 'We've got a lot of veterans. Anzac Day… it really is our national day.'
Preserving the Significance of Anzac Day
A key concern for the Premier is ensuring that any additional holiday does not diminish the solemnity and importance of the Anzac Day commemorations themselves. He expressed a firm desire to avoid the day's significance being diluted or shifted.
'I've got to have confidence that… a public holiday on the Monday doesn't detract from the salience of the 25th,' he said. '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.'
Addressing a Public Holiday Shortfall
Premier Minns also noted that New South Wales residents currently enjoy fewer public holidays compared to other states, suggesting this change could help address that disparity.
'We're underserved when it comes to public holidays, there's a lot more in every other state,' he remarked. 'So I can say to you guys, we're going to have a conversation about it for this year.'
Potential Impact on Future Years
The timing of this review is particularly relevant, as Anzac Day is scheduled to fall on a weekend in consecutive years. In 2026, April 25th is a Saturday, and in 2027, it will be a Sunday. Without a policy change, NSW workers would miss out on a weekday public holiday for two years running.
If the government proceeds with the new arrangement, it would mean millions of workers across the state could soon benefit from an extra-long weekend in April without having to use their precious annual leave entitlements.
