NSW Tries Extra Day Off for Anzac Day

The New South Wales government is trying out an extra public holiday for Anzac Day. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, people will get the following Monday off. This trial will last for two years, in 2026 and 2027.
By Newsroom | New South Wales, Public Holidays |

A trial period of an additional public holiday for Anzac Day has been announced by the New South Wales government. This measure, intended to provide an extra day of rest and reflection, will be in effect for the next two years, specifically when Anzac Day falls on a weekend. The decision aligns NSW with the practices of Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has confirmed that residents will receive an extra day off on April 27th, 2026, and April 26th, 2027. This is due to Anzac Day occurring on a Saturday in 2026 and a Sunday in 2027. The move is presented as a way to allow more people, including Australian Defence Force personnel, to commemorate the day and spend time with loved ones. The government intends to review the policy in 2032 to determine if the change should become permanent.

Read More: NSW Adds Public Holiday for Anzac Day in 2026 and 2027

Background of Anzac Day Public Holiday Practices

Anzac Day, observed on April 25th each year, is a significant national day of remembrance. Historically, in New South Wales, if Anzac Day fell on a weekend, an additional public holiday was not automatically granted. This contrasted with other nationwide holidays such as New Year's Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

NSW gets day off for Anzac Day - 1

  • Previous NSW Practice: When April 25th landed on a Saturday or Sunday, NSW residents did not typically receive an extra day off in lieu.

  • Precedent in WA and ACT: Both Western Australia and the ACT had established protocols to observe a public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day if the 25th fell on a weekend.

  • National Observance: While Anzac Day services are held across Australia on April 25th, the public holiday entitlement when it falls on a weekend has varied by state and territory.

Anzac Day Public Holiday: A State-by-State Comparison

The recent decision in NSW brings its practice regarding Anzac Day public holidays closer to that of Western Australia and the ACT. However, other states and territories have different approaches when April 25th occurs on a weekend.

State/TerritoryObserved Holiday When Anzac Day Falls on a Weekend
New South WalesTrial period: Additional holiday on Monday, April 27, 2026, and Monday, April 26, 2027.
Western AustraliaObserves a public holiday on the following Monday.
Australian Capital TerritoryObserves a public holiday on the following Monday.
VictoriaAnzac Day observed on Saturday, April 25th.
QueenslandAnzac Day observed on Saturday, April 25th.
South AustraliaAnzac Day observed on Saturday, April 25th.
Northern TerritoryAnzac Day observed on Saturday, April 25th.
TasmaniaAnzac Day observed on Saturday, April 25th.

Note: The table reflects the information provided regarding Anzac Day observances when the date falls on a weekend. Specific entitlements may vary based on individual employment agreements.

Government Rationale and Stakeholder Consultation

Premier Chris Minns has emphasized that the additional holiday is intended to honor the significance of Anzac Day without diminishing its importance. The trial period is seen as an opportunity to assess the impact and gather feedback.

NSW gets day off for Anzac Day - 2

  • Ministerial Statement: Minns stated that the extra day off would provide an opportunity for reflection and would not detract from the Anzac Day tradition.

  • Support for Defence Personnel: An additional holiday on the Monday is expected to benefit serving Australian Defence Force personnel who may be required to work on April 25th.

  • RSL NSW Consultation: The Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch) has indicated that it does not oppose the additional day off, following consultation with its members. Vince Williams, Acting President of RSL NSW, confirmed this position.

Potential Economic Implications

While the move is broadly welcomed by workers, concerns have been raised regarding the impact on small businesses.

  • Worker Benefit: Millions of workers in NSW are expected to benefit from the extended long weekend.

  • Small Business Impact: Reports suggest that small businesses may bear the brunt of the additional public holiday.

Review and Future Considerations

The NSW government has explicitly stated that the current decision is part of a two-year trial. A comprehensive review is slated to occur in 2032 to evaluate the policy's success and determine its future.

  • Trial Period: The extended weekend will be implemented in 2026 and 2027.

  • Long-Term Assessment: The review in 2032 will consider whether to make the additional holiday a permanent fixture in NSW when Anzac Day falls on a weekend.

Source Information

The following sources were consulted to compile this report:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will New South Wales have an extra public holiday for Anzac Day?
Yes, for a test period. If Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday in 2026 or 2027, people in NSW will get the Monday off.
Q: Why is NSW doing this?
The government wants to give people more time to remember and reflect on Anzac Day. It also matches what other places like Western Australia do.
Q: Will this extra holiday be permanent?
Not yet. It is a trial for two years. The government will look at it again in 2032 to decide if it should stay.