Hospitality Sector Slams Possibility of New Public Holiday in NSW for Anzac Day

New South Wales residents may get an additional holiday to celebrate Anzac Day as it falls on a weekend in 2026 and 2027.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said that he will “have a look at” the possibility of creating an additional holiday.

Why Might There be an Additional Holiday?

As 9news points out in its report, Anzac Day falls on April 25 this year, which happens to be a Saturday. This means that workers do not get a day off on Monday, April 27.

This, however, is not applicable to workers in Western Australia and the ACT as it has already been decided that they will get an additional holiday.

This is the exact arrangement that Minns is considering for NSW.

Hospitality Sector Slams Idea of Extra Holiday

Despite the fact that nothing has been set in stone as of writing, the hospitality sector has already voiced displeasure over the idea of an additional holiday.

According to a report by ABC News, Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association CEO Wes Lambert has been critical of the idea, calling it a “terrible idea.”

“On public holidays, restaurants and cafes pay between 75 and 100 per cent of their revenue out in wages, so if the premier wants to add another public holiday, we’re going to advocate that restaurants and cafes around the state close,” Lambert said.

He added, “They shouldn’t have to lose money because the premier wants to mirror other states’ public holidays.”