The NSW Government’s declaration of an Anzac Day public holiday has been met with mixed reactions. Photo: AWM.
The NSW Premier has announced he will follow the ACT’s lead and make the day after the Anzac Day weekend this year – Monday, 27 April – a public holiday.
The same will occur in 2027, before the NSW Government reviews it in 2032, the next time the commemorative date falls on a weekend.
Normally, when Anzac Day falls on a weekend date, there is no weekday public holiday in NSW.
“We’re very sensitive to the idea that the 25th of April is a solemn day for our state, for our country. It is probably the most important national day that we have, where we recognise service, men and women’s contribution to our country, what our country has as a result of their determination, their courage, their professionalism, their dedication to our state,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“We expect big participation, major crowds, full public civic participation in Anzac Day on the 25th of April, and then following that, on the Monday, we’ll have an additional public holiday. It is an opportunity for people to spend some time with their family, with their friends, away from work.”
It means any parent or carer who lives in NSW but works in Canberra and has already made other plans (given their children were expected to be in school or childcare) may need to reconsider how they’re spending 27 April.
Acting RSL NSW President Brigadier Vince Williams said the organisation doesn’t oppose the additional public holiday as it would provide an opportunity for serving members.
“[It] will 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,” he said.
“Anzac Day is the most important date in our national calendar. It is a time for Australians to pause and honour the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform, from the First World War to the men and women serving in our Defence Force today.
“It is also a day to reflect on the lasting impact of service on veterans and their families. The freedoms we enjoy as a nation were earned through sacrifice, and that legacy must always be respected.”
The idea was first floated in late January, about a month after the ACT Government confirmed it would create the public holiday.
The announcement was supported by Unions NSW, which argued that public holidays were “essential” for allowing workers time to “rest, reflect, and connect with friends and families”.
The move isn’t popular with everyone.
Nationals MP Steph Cooke opened up comments on her Facebook page, asking what people thought:
“As a former small business owner with multiple stores in rural towns, I understand firsthand the operational, staffing and financial pressures that extra public holidays can create, particularly for regional businesses already doing it tough,” she wrote.
“There are always different perspectives on decisions like this, so I would genuinely value your thoughts. How will this impact you, your business or your community?”
Overwhelmingly, the move wasn’t popular with her followers.
“Personally, I cannot imagine this idea is going to go down that well with our veterans, and defence force people … The cost to our small business and the amount of penalty rate/overtime might just break some small businesses,” one person wrote.
“As a former serving ADF reserve member, I think this is a kick in the guts to fallen and current serving members. It’s not all about a public holiday, it’s about commemoration and remembrance. I think this is a grab for votes by the Labor government,” wrote another.
One commenter did reflect on how the general public – not business owners or veterans/serving members – might be reacting: “I feel you’ll find no real support for opposing this. Aussies love a day off. I fully understand small business won’t like it but I can bet the bulk majority of the state’s taxpayers will love it.”
