Push for a new September public holiday in NSW gathers steam after Western Australia introduced two this year
Hundreds of retail, fast food and warehouse workers rallied at NSW parliament on Tuesday to demand an extra public holiday, arguing the state has fewer than any other in Australia. The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) is pushing for 1 September to be made a public holiday, saying irregular retail hours already prevent many workers from spending evenings with their families. The protest comes after Western Australia, previously the state with the fewest public holidays, legislated two more this year to bring its total to 13.
SDA NSW Secretary Bernie Smith called on Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis to raise the state's tally from 11 to 12, and a petition backing the move, signed by 10,000 workers, was handed to Cotsis at the rally. Cotsis said the government would review public holiday arrangements and noted a new Anzac Day public holiday had already been announced for 2026 and 2027, while Business Sydney's Paul Nicolaou argued the timing was wrong given the costs facing businesses. Separately, Cotsis announced planned Workplace Protection Orders to shield retail staff from violence and harassment, with breaches punishable by up to two years' jail, a $5,500 fine, or both.
In short
- NSW workers rally for a new public holiday on 1 September
- Move follows Western Australia adding two holidays this year
- NSW government to review holidays and introduce worker protection laws
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
An additional public holiday could give retail, fast food and warehouse workers a more reliable chance to spend time with family, especially when irregular hours make evenings difficult to share. Supporters can also argue that NSW should not lag behind other states and that a petition signed by 10,000 workers shows meaningful demand for the change.
The case against
A new public holiday would add staffing and operating costs for businesses, at a time when many are already facing financial pressures. Opponents can reasonably argue that the existing calendar, including the announced Anzac Day holidays in 2026 and 2027, should be reviewed before adding another statewide closure or penalty-rate day.
Explained simply
Public holidays are set by each Australian state and territory, so the number and dates vary across the country. They usually mean a day off for many workers, although some people work and may receive extra pay. New South Wales has 11 public holidays; Western Australia recently added two, bringing its total to 13.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association represents many retail workers and is calling for 1 September to become an extra NSW public holiday. Its case centres on workers’ ability to spend time with family, particularly when their jobs involve irregular hours. The proposal would need the NSW government to change the state’s holiday arrangements.
The debate involves workers, the state government and business groups, which weigh the value of an additional day off against the costs for employers. Public holidays also differ from workplace protections: NSW is separately planning orders to protect retail staff from violence and harassment.
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