NSW Premier Chris Minns teases extra public holiday this Anzac Day

Those in NSW could get an extra public holiday, according to the state’s premier, given that Anzac Day falls on the weekend this year.

NSW Premier Chris Minns told Triple M on Thursday that the state government was considering granting an additional weekday public holiday because Anzac Day falls on a weekend in 2026 and 2027.

When asked about no public holiday for Anzac Day this year, Mr Minns said typically there had never been a holiday if the day fell on a weekend.

However, he noted, Western Australia and the ACT had recently changed that, meaning if the day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, then you get the following Monday off.

“Now, I’m not committing to that today because I think that this is a decision that we’ve got to make with the RSL in particular,” Mr Minns said.

“And we’ve got a lot of veterans … I think most people have got a lot of reverence for Anzac Day, they respect it.

“They recognise that it’s a time – it really is our national day – when we respect people who’ve died for the country.”

Mr Minns said he had to speak to the RSL about plans for this year and next year.

“We’re underserved when it comes to public holidays, there’s a lot more in every other state,” he said.

“So I can say to you guys, we’re going to have a conversation about it for this year.”

Does NSW need more public holidays?

Mr Minns said he didn’t want a public holiday on the Monday to detract from the salience of Anzac Day on Saturday, April 25 this year.

“And I’d hate for that to happen, and everyone kind of goes, ‘Ah, sort of commemorate it on the Monday’ … we can’t do that,” he said.

“It’s got to be the 25th that’s hugely important. But, yeah, we’re going to have a look at it.”

The number of public holidays in NSW compared with other states has long been a hot topic, with many calling for the state government to grant additional days in line with other states.

In 2026, NSW will have 12 standard statewide public holidays.

However, those in Victoria, will celebrate 14 public holidays this year.

Among these are standard national holidays plus state-specific days like the Friday before the AFL grand final and Melbourne Cup Day.

Meanwhile, WA and Tasmania will celebrate 13 days, ACT and Queensland 14 and South Australia and the Northern Territory 15.