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.