NSW Anzac Day Holiday: Extra Public Holiday Possible?

NSW Considers Public Holiday for anzac day Long Weekend

A potential new public holiday in New South Wales is under consideration to align with Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, creating a long weekend for Anzac Day commemorations.

The New South Wales goverment, led by Premier Chris Minns, is currently in discussions regarding the addition of a public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day, especially when the solemn occasion falls on a Saturday. This move aims to address what officials describe as a disparity in public holiday allowances across Australian states.

Did you know? – Anzac Day, observed annually on April 25th, commemorates the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli during World War I. It honors all Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) members who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

addressing Holiday Discrepancies

Premier Minns revealed on Thursday that the conversation extends beyond the current year, acknowledging that residents will miss out on a day off in both 2024 and 2025 if Anzac Day falls on a Saturday. “It’s not just this year, it’s next year as well that you don’t get the day off,” Minns stated during an interview with Triple M radio.he further emphasized that New South Wales is “underserved when it comes to public holidays,” compared to other regions.

Currently, Western Australia and the ACT are the only jurisdictions offering an additional public holiday when Anzac Day lands on a Saturday. This creates an uneven playing field for workers and possibly impacts tourism and economic activity.

ensuring Respect for Remembrance

The government recognizes the paramount importance of maintaining the solemnity of Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance. To that end, consultations with the Returned and Services League (RSL) will be crucial. “I’ve got to have confidence that it’s not going to – if we have a public holiday on the Monday – it doesn’t detract from the salience of the 25th,” Minns explained. “It’s got to be the 25th that’s hugely crucial.”

The focus remains firmly on honoring the sacrifices of Australian service members, and any potential public holiday must complement, not overshadow, this core objective.

Pro tip – Businesses should review their enterprise agreements and relevant state legislation to understand their obligations regarding public holiday pay rates if the new holiday is implemented.

Broader State Comparisons

The proposal comes as other states also grapple with public holiday schedules. The Victorian government, which currently does not observe the Monday holiday following Anzac Day, and various business groups have been contacted for comment.

A comparison of public holiday allowances reveals meaningful differences. While Anzac Day is recognized nationally as one of ten public holidays in 2026, most Australians enjoy an additional three to four public holidays. New South Wales, though, currently offers only two extra public holidays: the King’s Birthday in June and Labor Day in October. In stark contrast, Christmas Island observes six additional public holidays, including two for Lunar New Year in mid-February.

This disparity underscores the need for a comprehensive review of public holiday entitlements across the country, ensuring fairness and recognizing the diverse needs of different communities. The outcome of the discussions in New South Wales could set a precedent for other states to follow, potentially leading to a more unified approach to public holidays nationwide.

Reader question – Do you think a public holiday on the Monday after Anzac Day would enhance or detract from the day’s significance? Share your thoughts!

Why: The New south Wales government is considering a new public holiday to address discrepancies in public holiday allowances compared to other states, specifically Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. The aim is to provide a long weekend for Anzac Day commemorations when the day falls on a Saturday.