NSW Premier Chris Minns has defended his decision to grant an extra public holiday for Anzac Day, as other state leaders reject similar moves to avoid diluting the day's significance. With Anzac Day falling on a Saturday this year, NSW, the ACT, and Western Australia will observe a substitute public holiday on Monday, while the rest of Australia will not receive an additional day off.
Speaking on Sunrise, Minns said the move was about aligning NSW with other states, noting that NSW has 11 public holidays compared to 13 in other jurisdictions. He added that the decision followed consultation with the NSW RSL, which supported the extra day and did not believe it would detract from the importance of April 25.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli rejected calls to follow NSW, stating it is vital to keep Anzac Day sacrosanct. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas backed the logic behind NSW's decision but said his state was not under pressure to follow suit, noting South Australia already provides a substitute holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Sunday.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff downplayed the divide, emphasizing the shared national focus on remembrance. All three leaders expressed pride in growing attendance at dawn services, particularly among younger Australians. Minns encouraged everyone to attend a local service, calling it a fantastic way to feel like a proud Australian.
