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Aussies have been left divided after it was announced that NSW would be getting an extra public holiday to commemorate Anzac Day.
Anzac Day is fixed to April 25, meaning it will fall on a Saturday this year, and a Sunday in 2027.
NSW will now get an extra public holiday on the following Monday in both years.
The government insists the extra day off will not replace the significance of Anzac Day itself, which will 'always remain the day of national commemoration,' with Dawn Services, marches and local ceremonies still at the centre of remembrance.
The Minns Government claims the additional holiday brings Anzac Day into line with other major public holidays, such as Christmas Day and New Year's Day, which receive substitute weekdays when they fall on weekends.
Residents were divided over the extra day off, with many accusing Premier Chris Minns of using it as a political ploy.
'Not necessary. Trying to win votes,' one wrote.
'I totally disagree with this decision,' a second added.
NSW will receive a day off on the Monday following Anzac Day in 2026 and 2027 (file)
'Anzac Day is a solemn day. It should not and does not need a holiday attached to reward anywhere in Australia. Leave it alone regardless of political persuasion. I support Labor, but this just doesn't pass the pub test for me.'
A third added: 'It is so disrespectful! We don’t need a long weekend for this! It isn’t a celebration! It’s to show respect for our soldiers.'
Others threw their support behind the decision.
'Common sense prevails,' one wrote.
'Public holidays that fall on weekends have always been given an additional day. No big deal,' another added.
Prior to the move, NSW had 11 public holidays in 2026, compared with 15 in South Australia and the Northern Territory and 14 in Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.
Only Tasmania matches NSW with 11.
The two-year trial will feed into a broader review of the state's public holiday system in 2027, examining whether NSW should permanently increase its number of holidays and if Anzac Day weekend arrangements should be changed in the long term.
Chris Minns (pictured) said that the change would reinforce the significance of Anzac Day
The review will consider feedback from the community, businesses, veterans and other stakeholders, as well as economic and social data gathered during the 2026–27 trial period.
Minns said the additional day off reinforces the significance of Anzac Day rather than diminishing it.
‘Anzac Day on 25 April is one of the most important and solemn days on our national calendar, and that will not change,’ he said.
‘We have a tremendous amount of reverence for Anzac Day across our communities, especially among our veterans and their families.’
Minns said the change would enable people to further honour Anzac Day.
‘Adding a public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend will not diminish that tradition,’ he said.
‘If anything, it is a reminder of its importance and another reason for people to get up, attend a local service and ensure the spirit of remembrance continues to be passed on to the next generation.’