Full Breakdown
New South Wales Introduces Extra Public Holiday for Anzac Day
2/15/2026, 4:23:10 AM
Announcement of Additional Holiday
The New South Wales (NSW) Premier, Chris Minns, has announced that residents will receive an additional public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day in 2026 and 2027, as Anzac Day falls on a Saturday and Sunday, respectively. This decision marks a significant change, as previously, NSW did not observe an extra holiday when Anzac Day occurred on a weekend, unlike other states such as Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Rationale Behind the Decision
Premier Minns emphasized that adding a public holiday will not diminish the significance of Anzac Day, stating, “If anything, it is a reminder of its importance and another reason for people to get up, attend a local service and ensure the spirit of remembrance continues to be passed on.” The Returned and Services League (RSL) NSW, represented by acting president Vince Williams, expressed support for the decision, noting that it would allow serving Australian Defence Force personnel to spend quality time with their families, particularly those required to work on Anzac Day itself.
Context of Public Holidays in NSW
Currently, NSW has the fewest public holidays of any mainland state in Australia, with only 11 recognized holidays compared to 14 or 15 in states like Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. The introduction of this additional holiday aims to address this disparity and provide more opportunities for community engagement and remembrance.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
While the announcement has been welcomed by some, it has also faced criticism, particularly from business groups. Premier Minns acknowledged that not all business representatives support the change, recognizing it as an additional burden for small businesses. He stated, “We know that it's somewhat of an additional burden for small businesses in particular, but this is, we believe, an important thing to do for the state.”
Future Considerations
The Minns government plans to review the impact of the additional public holiday in 2027, assessing its economic and social effects. This review will involve feedback from community members, businesses, and veteran organizations to determine if the current number of public holidays in NSW is adequate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ANZAC Day on 25 April is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change,” — Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales
- “We welcome Premier Minns’ assurance that ANZAC Day itself will remain the central focus of national commemoration, observed with the respect and reflection it deserves.” — Vince Williams, Acting President, RSL NSW
- “This review will look at whether the balance is right for workers, families and businesses, and whether there is a case for change going forward.” — Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Industrial Relations
The introduction of an additional public holiday for Anzac Day in NSW reflects a significant shift in how the state recognizes this important day of remembrance, aiming to enhance community participation while balancing the concerns of various stakeholders.
