NSW gets extra public holiday for Anzac Day until at least 2027 | Anzac Day
People in Australia’s most populous state will be given an Anzac Day long weekend for the next two years and could be lining up for more public holidays.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns announced there will be an extra public holiday in the state in 2026 and 2027, with Anzac Day falling on a Saturday and Sunday.
Commemorations are held across the country on April 25, although previously only people in Western Australia and the ACT were given an additional public holiday on the following Monday.
Unlike New Year’s Day, Boxing Day and Boxing Day, there was no public holiday declared in NSW as Anzac Day fell on a weekend.
Minns said adding a public holiday under these circumstances would not diminish the tradition.
“This is a reminder of its importance and another reason for people to stand up, participate in a local ceremony and ensure that the spirit of remembrance is passed on to future generations,” he said in a statement Sunday.
Vince Williams, acting chairman of the Returnees and Services League (RSL) NSW, said he was not opposed to introducing an additional public holiday after consulting with members.
“In addition, Monday’s bank holiday will provide many Australian Defense Force personnel who are required to work on Anzac Day the opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones,” Williams said.
Anzac Day is one of 10 public holidays recognized nationwide.
NSW has fewer public holidays than any other mainland state and territory. Most Australians take three or four more as well as holidays around the country, including Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and South Australia.
But there are only two extra celebrations in NSW: the King’s Birthday in June and Labor Day in October.
Christmas Island is celebrating an extra six, including two for the lunar new year in mid-February.
The Minns government will consider making the Anzac Day change permanent and decide whether the number of public holidays across the state is sufficient.
The economic and social impacts of the extra bank holiday in 2026 and 2027 will be examined and will be subject to feedback from community, business and veterans groups.
