Extra public holiday for NSW under consideration as Anzac Day falls on weekend, premier says
State government in talks with RSL to ensure the creation of long weekend doesn't detract from national day of remembrance
www.theguardian.comHere are the latest developments on Anzac Day public holidays in Australia:
- New South Wales (NSW) has announced an extra public holiday for Anzac Day weekend when the day falls on a weekend, effectively creating a long weekend for 2026 and 2027. This means NSW residents will have the following Monday off in 2026 (April 27) and in 2027 (April 26) in addition to the national dawn services on April 25.[2][5]
- The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Western Australia are aligning with this approach, offering a Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday, while other states and territories have varied or no substitute days off.[5][2]
- Public communication from NSW officials emphasizes that the Monday holiday is separate from Anzac Day itself and aims to preserve the commemorative focus on April 25 while providing a long weekend for families and service personnel.[5]
- National coverage confirms that Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania did not adopt an overarching substitute Monday holiday for 2026 when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, leading to a mixed landscape across states.[6][7]
- For workplace rights and entitlements, the Fair Work Ombudsman provides state-by-state guidance on public holidays, noting that entitlements can vary by jurisdiction and that workers should check local schedules and modern awards for specific rules.[9]
Illustration of the situation:
- If you’re in NSW on Anzac Day weekend in 2026 (Anzac Day falls on Saturday), you’ll likely have Monday, April 27 as a public holiday, creating a long weekend for many residents.[2][5]
- If you’re in Victoria, SA, Queensland, or Tasmania, you may not receive a substitute Monday holiday in the same year, so Anzac Day observances and closures will follow the state’s existing rules.[7][6]
Would you like a concise state-by-state table of 2026 public holiday dates for Anzac Day and any substitute Monday holidays, plus quick notes on when services and closures typically occur in each state? I can compile that with exact dates and caveats.
Citations:
- NSW, ACT and WA Monday holiday for Anzac Day weekend (2026–2027)[2][5]
- NSW public holiday policy details and rationale[5]
- State-by-state variability and Victoria/SA/QLD/Tasmania status[6][7]
- Workplace entitlements and public holiday guidance[9]