NSW to get an extra public holiday for the next two years after Anzac Day, Premier confirms

NSW will have an extra public holiday on Anzac Day weekend for the next two years, Premier Chris Minns has confirmed.

Previously in the state, if Anzac Day on April 25 fell on a weekend, there would not be an official public holiday.

However, Minns announced this morning the government will implement a trial that will see the state gain a public holiday on April 27 this year and April 26 next year.

This is because Anzac Day falls on Saturday and Sunday for the next two years.

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This is now in line with Western Australia and the ACT, which have already implemented an extra public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend

Minns believes the holiday will allow people to spend more time with their friends and families, while not detracting from the importance of Anzac Day itself.

"We believe that this additional public holiday was the right thing to do," he said. "This cannot detract from the overall importance of Anzac Day, I don't think it will.

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"NSW residents can be trusted with this public holiday in the fact it won't detract from the solemnity."

Minns had flagged a potential change late last month, claiming the state has less public holidays than the rest of Australia.

He conceded the decision may not be popular with business owners.

"We've also spoken with business, not all business groups are supportive of this change, and it's important that we recognise that," he said

"We know it's somewhat of an additional burden for small business in particular, but this is an important thing we need to do for the state.

"We are not dismissing that opposition but on balance we believe that this additional public holiday was the right thing to do."

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The decision was made after discussions with RSL NSW, who ultimately endorsed the decision.

Acting President Vince Williams admitted a survey sent to members was evenly split in support and opposition for an additional public holiday, but said the RSL NSW board ultimately voted in favour of it.

"We have a very broad church, and like many volunteer organisations, we have members who are opposed to change, and it's a case of bringing them along," Williams said.

"The great concern was what if something happened to the 25th, nothing is going to happen to the 25th, the 25th will be the day where all the commemorations will take place."

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