New South Wales will have an additional public holiday for Anzac Day in 2026 and 2027, Premier Chris Minns announced on Sunday. Anzac Day falls on a Saturday in 2026 and on a Sunday in 2027. The extra holiday for 2026 will be on Monday, 27 April.
Previously, only Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory granted an additional public holiday when Anzac Day fell on a weekend. The ACT has transferred the public holiday to Monday, while WA designates both Saturday and Monday as public holidays.
Minns said the decision would not diminish the tradition. '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,' he said in a statement.
The NSW Returned and Services League (RSL) did not oppose the move after consulting members. Acting president Vince Williams noted that smaller RSL organisations may use the Monday to gather, and that serving Australian Defence Force personnel who work on Anzac Day would have an opportunity to spend time with loved ones.
However, business groups expressed concern. Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lambert warned that hospitality venues face labour costs of 75 to 100 per cent of sales on public holidays, and encouraged cafes and restaurants not to open. Minns acknowledged the burden on small businesses but said the decision was important for the state.
The Minns government will review the economic and social impacts of the extra public holidays in 2026 and 2027, and consider making the change permanent. NSW currently has fewer public holidays than other mainland states and territories.
