NSW will officially gain an additional Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, after the Minns Labor government confirmed the change.
Anzac Day will land on a Saturday in both 2026 and 2027, prompting the state to introduce a substitute public holiday on the following Monday.
Commemorative services will continue to be held nationwide on April 25, but until now only Western Australia and the ACT granted an extra day off when the national day of remembrance fell on a weekend.
Premier Chris Minns announced on Friday the public holiday has now been enshrined in legislation.
‘We expect big participation, major crowds and full civic participation in Anzac Day on the 25th of April and then, following that, on the Monday we’ll have an additional public holiday,’ he said.
Anzac Day is one of 10 public holidays observed nationally in 2026, although the total number of public holidays varies across states and territories.
Most Australians receive three or four additional state-based public holidays each year, including those in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and South Australia.
But NSW has had fewer public holidays than all other mainland states and territories.
NSW will officially gain an additional Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, after the Minns government confirmed the change
The public holiday has been officially enshrined in legislation
But Australians have questioned whether Premier Chris Minns had considered the impact on small businesses across NSW
Acting President RSL NSW Vince Williams has previously said the organisation supports the new public holiday.
‘RSL NSW’s primary concern is that the sanctity and significance of Anzac Day is protected,’ he said earlier this week.
‘We welcome Premier Minns’ assurance that Anzac Day itself will remain the central focus of national commemoration, observed with the respect and reflection it deserves.’
However, some Australians have questioned how the additional day will impact businesses, which will have to make changes to their plans quickly.
‘Cost to businesses??? This makes no sense,’ one social media user said.
‘You celebrate the big event on the day. Why do you need Monday off?? Dumb, dumb, dumb.’
Another added: ‘Sad that once again there is no consideration to business owners!’
‘We have had no time to budget for this, but have to cope the losses while we employ so many Aussies!’
A third person asked: ‘Are you paying wages for the extra public holiday? Not great for small business once again.’
