Only a select few million Australians will be lining up for an Anzac Day long weekend this year.
As that fact dawns on people planning their 2026 escapes, a state premier indicated on Thursday that his government is in talks to introduce a new public holiday, with Anzac Day falling on a Saturday.
Remembrance services are held nationwide on April 25, but only people in Western Australia and the ACT get an extra public holiday the following Monday.
“It’s not just this year but next year that you won’t get a day off,” NSW Premier Chris Minns told Triple M radio on Thursday.
“And us [NSW] are underserved when it comes to holidays, there are many more in every other state.
“We’re going to have a conversation about it this year.”
Discussions would be held with the Returned and Services League (RSL) to ensure the creation of a long weekend would not detract from the national day of remembrance.
“I have to have confidence that this won’t happen – if we have a holiday on Monday – that this won’t detract from the salience of the 25th,” Minns said.
“It has to be the 25th, that’s extremely important.”
The Victorian government, which also does not observe the Monday holiday, and business groups were contacted for comment.
Anzac Day is one of ten public holidays to be recognized nationally in 2026.
Most Australians will get another three or four, including those in Victoria, Queensland, ACT and South Australia.
NSW celebrates two additional days: the King’s Birthday in June and Labor Day in October.
Christmas Island celebrates six additional days, including two for Chinese New Year in mid-February.
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