In a significant policy shift, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has announced that the state will observe extra public holidays in 2026 and 2027, specifically when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday and Sunday. This decision marks a departure from previous practices and could lead to permanent changes in the state's holiday calendar.
Extended Long Weekends for Remembrance
The announcement means that residents of Australia's most populous state will enjoy Anzac Day long weekends for at least the next two years, with the possibility of additional holidays beyond that period. Traditionally, remembrance services are held nationwide on April 25th, but until now, only Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory had granted an additional public holiday on the following Monday when Anzac Day coincided with a weekend.
Addressing Historical Discrepancy
Unlike other major holidays such as New Year's Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, New South Wales had previously not declared additional public holidays when Anzac Day fell on a weekend. Premier Minns emphasized that adding these holidays would not diminish the tradition of remembrance but rather reinforce its importance.
"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 to the next generation," Minns stated in an official announcement on Sunday.
Support from Veterans' Organizations
The Returned and Services League (RSL) NSW's acting president, Vince Williams, confirmed that the organization does not oppose the introduction of additional public holidays after consulting with members. Williams highlighted that a public holiday on Monday would provide many serving Australian Defence Force personnel, who are required to work on Anzac Day itself, with valuable time to spend with their families.
"Additionally, a public holiday on Monday will also provide many serving Australian Defence Force personnel who are required to work on Anzac Day itself with an opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones," Williams explained.
Comparative Holiday Landscape
Anzac Day is one of ten public holidays recognized nationwide, but New South Wales currently has fewer public holidays than all other mainland states and territories. While most Australians receive an additional three or four holidays beyond the national ones—including residents of Victoria, Queensland, ACT, and South Australia—NSW enjoys just two extra: the King's Birthday in June and Labour Day in October.
In contrast, Christmas Island celebrates an extra six holidays, including two for lunar new year in mid-February, highlighting the regional variations in public holiday allocations across Australia.
Future Considerations and Economic Impact
The Minns government has indicated that it will consider making the Anzac Day change permanent and will evaluate whether the current number of statewide public holidays is sufficient. This evaluation will involve examining the economic and social impacts of the extra public holidays in 2026 and 2027, with input from community groups, business organizations, and veteran associations.
This thoughtful approach ensures that any permanent changes will be informed by comprehensive feedback and careful analysis of both the benefits and potential challenges associated with additional public holidays.
