NSW workers could get an extra day off as Premier Minns considers Anzac Day public holiday change

New South Wales workers could be granted an additional day off this year after Premier Chris Minns signalled he is considering changes to how Anzac Day is observed when it falls on a weekend, with April 25 set to land on a Saturday.

Currently, Anzac Day is observed only on April 25, regardless of whether it falls on a weekday or weekend, meaning no additional day off is provided.

Anzac Day, observed on April 25, is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand honouring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. It marks the 1915 landing at Gallipoli during World War I and is commemorated with dawn services, marches, and ceremonies across both countries.


Minns said his government is weighing whether Anzac Day should be added to the list of public holidays that receive a substitute weekday holiday, a benefit already applied to occasions such as Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

"We're going to have a conversation about it for this year," Minns said. "We're underserved when it comes to public holidays; there's a lot more in every other state."

According to 9News website, across Australia, the majority of states and territories follow the New South Wales model, recognising Anzac Day solely on April 25, regardless of whether it falls on a weekend. Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory stand apart as the only jurisdictions that grant residents an additional public holiday when April 25 falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

Minns cautioned that no decision would be made without consultation with the Returned and Services League (RSL), stressing the need to protect the solemn nature of Anzac Day commemorations. He said any additional holiday must not undermine the significance of remembrance services and marches held on April 25.

"I've got to have confidence that if we have a public holiday on the Monday, it doesn't detract from the salience of the 25," he said.

"It's got to be the 25 that's hugely important."