New South Wales will observe an additional public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day for the next two years, a move that will grant millions of residents an extended weekend. This decision comes as Anzac Day falls on a Saturday in 2026 and a Sunday in 2027. While Premier Chris Minns stated the holiday would not diminish the tradition of Anzac Day and might even encourage greater attendance at remembrance services, other Australian states and territories will not be implementing similar measures. The NSW government has indicated it will review the arrangement for a potential permanent change.
Anzac Day Recognition and Holiday Practices
Anzac Day, observed nationwide on April 25th, is a significant commemoration of military service. Historically, when Anzac Day has fallen on a weekend, New South Wales has not automatically declared a public holiday on the following Monday. This contrasts with other national holidays like New Year's Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, for which additional holidays are granted when they fall on a weekend.
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NSW's historical practice: No additional public holiday when Anzac Day fell on a weekend.
Other states' historical practice: Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) previously granted an additional public holiday on the Monday when Anzac Day was on a weekend.
Current NSW decision: A temporary additional public holiday will be observed on Monday, April 27, 2026, and Monday, April 26, 2027.
Other states' current stance: The provided reports indicate no change in practice for other states.
Rationale for the NSW Holiday
Premier Chris Minns has articulated the reasoning behind the temporary measure. He believes the additional day off will allow more people, including Australian Defence Force personnel who may work on Anzac Day itself, to spend quality time with family and friends. Furthermore, Minns suggested that the extended weekend could lead to increased participation in Anzac Day dawn services and other commemorative events. The RSL NSW has been consulted and does not oppose the decision.
The primary drivers for the NSW holiday appear to be aligning with existing practices in WA and the ACT, providing extended commemoration time, and supporting Defence Force personnel and their families.
Inter-State Comparison and NSW's Holiday Schedule
New South Wales has historically had fewer public holidays compared to other mainland Australian states and territories. The introduction of this temporary Anzac Day holiday brings NSW's public holiday schedule more in line with those states that already provide an extended weekend when Anzac Day falls on a weekend.
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| State/Territory | Current Anzac Day Holiday Practice (when falling on a weekend) | Other Notable Public Holidays (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | New: Additional Monday holiday for 2026 & 2027 | King's Birthday, Labour Day |
| Western Australia (WA) | Additional Monday holiday | Many others |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Additional Monday holiday | Many others |
| Victoria (VIC) | (Not specified, but typically more than NSW) | Many others |
| Queensland (QLD) | (Not specified, but typically more than NSW) | Many others |
| South Australia (SA) | (Not specified, but typically more than NSW) | Many others |
The comparative data suggests NSW is working to increase its public holiday count, particularly for significant national observances.
Review and Potential Permanency
The NSW government has committed to reviewing the efficacy and impact of this temporary measure. During the two-year trial period, an assessment will be conducted to determine whether the additional Anzac Day public holiday should become a permanent fixture in the state's calendar. This review will likely consider public sentiment, economic impact, and the continued tradition of Anzac Day remembrance.
Review period: 2026 and 2027.
Decision point: Post-2027, based on review findings.
Considerations: Tradition, public engagement, economic factors.
Expert and Stakeholder Input
The decision to implement the additional public holiday in NSW has been met with support from relevant organizations. Vince Williams, Acting President of RSL NSW, confirmed that members of the Returned and Services League of Australia had been consulted and did not raise objections to the proposed holiday. Premier Minns also expressed his belief that the holiday would not detract from the solemnity and importance of Anzac Day.
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The RSL's non-objection suggests a general acceptance of the measure as a means to enhance participation and family time around the commemoration.
Conclusion and Forward Outlook
The introduction of a temporary, additional public holiday for Anzac Day in New South Wales marks a shift in the state's long-standing practice. For the years 2026 and 2027, residents of NSW will benefit from an extended weekend. This aligns the state with practices observed in the ACT and Western Australia. The NSW government's stated intention is to provide more opportunities for commemoration and family time without undermining the core significance of Anzac Day. The ultimate outcome, whether this change becomes permanent, hinges on a comprehensive review following the two-year trial period.
Sources
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/15/nsw-gets-extra-public-holiday-for-anzac-day-until-at-least-2027 - Reports on NSW's decision and comparisons with other states.
ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-15/nsw-minns-government-anzac-day-extra-public-holiday/106346332 - Details the Premier's announcement and the rationale.
7News: https://7news.com.au/news/anzac-day-public-holiday-nsw-residents-to-get-extra-day-off-for-next-two-years-as-premier-floats-idea-of-making-it-permanent-c-21641755 - Discusses the duration of the holiday and potential for permanence.
news.com.au: https://www.news.com.au/finance/culture/australian-culture/nsw-confirms-extra-anzac-day-public-holiday-for-2026-and-2027/news-story/d56b0e1194e7f3895ace0e12d9c868c8 - Covers the confirmation of the holiday for 2026 and 2027 and the review process.
9News: https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-extra-public-holiday-anzac-day-2026-2027-chris-minns/492368d9-c4f6-4740-9e2b-0b2ff4a9beb8 - Details the temporary nature of the holiday and the dates.
SBS News: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/anzac-day-public-holiday-which-states/0nax12a1k - Provides context on NSW's previous holiday practices and comparisons.
The Guardian (Jan 2026): https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/29/extra-public-holiday-for-nsw-under-consideration-as-anzac-day-falls-on-weekend-premier-says - Reports on the initial consideration of the holiday in January 2026.
