Key Takeaways:
- The New South Wales government is considering adding a public holiday to create an Anzac Day long weekend
- The proposed public holiday would be on the Monday following Anzac Day, which falls on a Saturday
- The government is in talks with the RSL to ensure the creation of a long weekend doesn’t detract from the national day of remembrance
- NSW has fewer public holidays compared to other states, with only two extra public holidays in addition to the 10 nationwide public holidays
- The decision to add a public holiday would bring NSW in line with Western Australia and the ACT, which already observe the Monday holiday
Introduction to the Proposal
A late attempt to add a public holiday to create an Anzac Day long weekend is being considered by the New South Wales government. The premier, Chris Minns, announced on Thursday that his government is in talks to create a new public holiday, which would account for Anzac Day falling on a Saturday. This move would bring NSW in line with Western Australia and the ACT, which already observe the Monday holiday. The proposal is being considered to ensure that NSW residents can enjoy a long weekend, similar to those in other states.
Comparison with Other States
The premier highlighted that NSW is underserved when it comes to public holidays, with only two extra public holidays in addition to the 10 nationwide public holidays. In contrast, most Australians get another three or four public holidays, including those in Victoria, Queensland, ACT, and South Australia. Furthermore, Christmas Island celebrates an extra six public holidays, including two for lunar new year in mid-February. This disparity has led to calls for NSW to review its public holiday schedule and consider adding more days off for its residents.
Potential Impact on Anzac Day
The creation of a long weekend for Anzac Day could potentially detract from the national day of remembrance. To address this concern, the government is in talks with the RSL to ensure that the proposed public holiday does not undermine the significance of Anzac Day. The premier emphasized that the 25th of April is a hugely important day and that any decision to add a public holiday must not compromise its significance. The RSL is likely to play a key role in shaping the government’s decision, as they are the primary organizers of Anzac Day events and services.
Remembrance Services and Public Holidays
Remembrance services will be held nationwide on 25 April, but only people in Western Australia and the ACT will get an additional public holiday on the next Monday. This means that NSW residents will not get a day off on the Monday following Anzac Day, unless the government decides to add a public holiday. The premier noted that this is not just a one-year issue, as Anzac Day will also fall on a Saturday next year, resulting in no long weekend for NSW residents. The government’s decision to consider adding a public holiday is a recognition of the importance of giving residents a break and allowing them to commemorate Anzac Day with a long weekend.
Government Consultations and Next Steps
The government is currently in talks with the RSL and other stakeholders to discuss the proposal and its potential impact. The premier has emphasized that any decision to add a public holiday must be made in consultation with the RSL and other relevant parties. The government is also seeking feedback from business groups and other organizations to ensure that the proposed public holiday does not have unintended consequences. The outcome of these consultations will likely determine whether the government decides to add a public holiday, and if so, what form it will take.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the New South Wales government is considering adding a public holiday to create an Anzac Day long weekend. The proposal is still in its early stages, and the government is in talks with the RSL and other stakeholders to discuss its potential impact. The decision to add a public holiday would bring NSW in line with Western Australia and the ACT, which already observe the Monday holiday. The government’s consideration of this proposal is a recognition of the importance of giving residents a break and allowing them to commemorate Anzac Day with a long weekend. As the government continues to consult with stakeholders and consider the proposal, it is likely that a decision will be made in the coming weeks or months.
