New Public Holiday Announced for This Year
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced a new public holiday for 2026 and 2027. This decision aims to enhance commemorations for Anzac Day, which occurs annually on April 25. In 2026, Anzac Day will land on a Saturday, while in 2027, it will fall on a Sunday.
Details of the New Public Holiday
The additional day will be recognized on the following Monday after Anzac Day. This initiative is not intended to replace Anzac Day; instead, it seeks to underline its significance. The government believes this will align NSW with other states regarding public holiday arrangements.
Current Public Holiday Landscape
- NSW scheduled 11 public holidays for 2026.
- Queensland, Victoria, and the ACT each have 14 public holidays.
- The Northern Territory and South Australia observe 15 public holidays.
- Tasmania also has 11 public holidays each year.
The introduction of the additional public holiday reflects a commitment to honoring Anzac Day properly, especially on weekends when it is not observed. This move will enhance public recognition and participation in Anzac Day activities.
Future Review of Public Holidays
In 2027, the experience gained from these added holidays will contribute to a comprehensive review of the public holiday framework in NSW. The review will assess whether the state should permanently alter its public holiday schedule, particularly concerning Anzac Day and its weekend occurrences.
This initiative indicates a positive shift towards improving the public holiday landscape in NSW, ensuring that significant days of remembrance are adequately commemorated.
