The Minns Labor Government will ensure Anzac Day is appropriately commemorated in New South Wales, announcing an additional public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day this year and in 2027.
The Minns Labor Government will ensure Anzac Day is appropriately commemorated in New South Wales, announcing an additional public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day this year and in 2027.
Under the Public Holidays Act 2010, Anzac Day is fixed to 25 April each year regardless of the day on which it falls. In 2026, Anzac Day will fall on a Saturday, and in 2027 it will fall on a Sunday.
This will not change, however there will be an additional public holiday this year and in 2027.
25 April will always remain the day of national commemoration. Dawn Services, marches and community ceremonies held on that day will continue to be the central foccs of remembrance across NSW.
Anzac Day is not simply a date on the calendar it is a living tradition observed in towns, suburbs and cities right across our state.
Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn, gather at local memorials, march alongside veterans and reflect on the service and sacrifice that shaped our nation.
The additional holiday on Monday does not replace Anzac Day. Rather it reinforces its importance and significance as well as making it consistent with other major public holidays.
Unlike New Year's Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, there are currently no additional public holiday arrangements in place in NSW when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, which occurs on average twice every seven years.
NSW has fewer public holidays than all other mainland states and territories.
Prior to the addition of the Anzac Day holiday, NSW had 11 public holidays in 2026, compared with 15 in South Australia and the Northern Territory and 14 in Queensland, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory and on par with Tasmania's 11 public holidays this year.
The experience of the additional public holidays will form part of a NSW Government review of the state's public holidays to commence in 2027, that will consider:
- the current number of state-wide public holidays in NSW
- whether NSW should have an additional public holiday
- whether there should be a permanent change to Anzac Day public holiday arrangements when Anzac Day falls on a weekend
The review will be informed by community, business, veteran groups and other stakeholder feedback, as well as the economic and social impacts of the additional public holiday in 2026 and 2027.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Anzac Day on 25 April is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change.
"We have a tremendous amount of reverence for Anzac Day across our communities, especially among our veterans and their families.
"Each year, thousands of families rise before dawn, gather at local memorials, march alongside veterans and reflect on the service and sacrifice that shaped our nation.
"Adding a public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend will not diminish that 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."
Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:
"Anzac Day continues to hold important cultural significance across the state as we honour those who served our nation.
"NSW has fewer public holidays than any other state or territory, and that's something worth examining thoughtfully.
"This review will look at whether the balance is right for workers, families and businesses, and whether there is a case for change going forward."
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"Anzac Day is about remembrance, reflection and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
"Ensuring people have the time to commemorate properly on 25 April won't change and we will continue to commemorate at the many Dawn Services and Marches that take place throughout our communities to honour that service."
Acting President RSL NSW Vince Williams said:
"RSL NSW's primary concern is that the sanctity and significance of Anzac Day is protected, and we welcome Premier Minns' assurance that Anzac Day itself will remain the central focus of national commemoration, observed with the respect and reflection it deserves.
"Having consulted members, RSL NSW does not oppose the introduction of an additional public holiday, and looks forward to continuing to work constructively with the defence and veteran community and the NSW Government as the trial progresses.
"Additionally, a public holiday on Monday will also provide many serving Australian Defence Force personnel who are required to work on Anzac Day itself with an opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones."
