New South Wales is set to get an additional public holiday in 2026 and 2027, to ensure that Anzac Day is ‘appropriately commemorated’ across the state.
Under current rules, Anzac Day is fixed to April 25, no matter which day it falls.
In 2026 it will land on a Saturday, and in 2027 on a Sunday.
The date will not shift, however, NSW will now get an extra public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day in both years.
The government insists the extra day off will not replace the significance of Anzac Day itself, which will ‘always remain the day of national commemoration,’ with Dawn Services, marches and local ceremonies still at the centre of remembrance.
The Minns Government argues the additional holiday brings Anzac Day into line with other major public holidays, such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, which receive substitute weekdays when they fall on weekends.
Prior to the move, NSW had 11 public holidays in 2026, compared with 15 in South Australia and the Northern Territory and 14 in Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.
Only Tasmania matches NSW with 11.
NSW will receive a day off on the Monday following Anzac Day in 2026 and 2027 (file)
Chris Minns (pictured) said that the change would reinforce the significance of Anzac Day
The two-year trial will feed into a broader review of the state’s public holiday system in 2027, examining whether NSW should permanently increase its number of holidays and if Anzac Day weekend arrangements should be changed in the long term.
The review will consider feedback from the community, businesses, veterans and other stakeholders, as well as economic and social data gathered during the 2026–27 trial period.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the additional day off reinforces the significance of Anzac Day rather than diminishing it.
‘Anzac Day on 25 April is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change,’ he said.
‘We have a tremendous amount of reverence for Anzac Day across our communities, especially among our veterans and their families.’
Minns said the change would enable people to further honour Anzac Day.
‘Adding a public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend will not diminish that tradition,’ he said.
‘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.’
