When the NSW Government confirmed that residents would receive an additional public holiday following ANZAC Day for the next two years, many individuals and business owners immediately wondered, “What does this mean for my budget, staffing, and tax planning?”
At Endurego Tax, serving clients across Ashfield and the Northern Beaches, we see announcements like this as a chance to empower the community with clarity—not confusion. And this change certainly calls for both understanding and preparation.
A Quick Recap of the New Announcement
The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, has confirmed that the state will introduce a trial period granting an extra public holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend.
This year, ANZAC Day lands on a Saturday, and next year on a Sunday. As a result, NSW residents will receive:
- April 27, 2024 – Public Holiday
- April 26, 2025 – Public Holiday
This update aligns NSW with Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, which already observe a substitute public holiday.
The decision was made in consultation with RSL NSW, who gave their endorsement after surveying members.
Why This Matters: Beyond Just a Day Off
Public holidays may seem simple on the surface, but they have real implications—especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Premier Minns acknowledged that not all business groups were supportive, and many employers expressed concerns regarding:
- Increased penalty rates
- Roster changes and staffing shortages
- Unplanned operational costs
However, the Premier emphasised that giving families more time together does not detract from the solemnity of ANZAC Day, and that “NSW residents can be trusted with this public holiday.”
From our vantage point at EnduregoTax, this shift highlights a bigger theme:
Policies change quickly—financial preparedness must stay constant.
What This Means for Your Business or Household Budget
1. Payroll Planning & Penalty Rates
If you employ staff, the additional public holiday means:
- Higher wage costs for public-holiday shifts
- Potential scheduling changes
- Additional compliance checks for Awards and EBAs
Tip: Update your payroll calendars now. Avoid last-minute adjustments that cause overpayments or Fair Work breaches.
2. Cash-Flow Adjustments for April
For many businesses, April is already tight due to BAS lodgements. An added public holiday compresses trading hours and revenue opportunities.
Smart Approach:
Integrate the public holiday into your April cash-flow projections as soon as possible.
3. Tax-Time Strategy for FY2024
The extended weekend may affect:
- Trading volumes
- Seasonal income patterns
- Deductible wage expenses
If you’re in hospitality, retail, or essential services, this could shift your projected taxable income more than you expect.
Community Angle: A Moment for Families
While financial planning is our specialty, we never forget the human side of public holidays. For many families—especially those juggling work, school, and sport—an extra day brings much-needed breathing room.
Parents who normally miss dawn services due to weekend commitments may now have the flexibility to attend.
Workers stretched thin by the cost-of-living pressures across New South Wales can take time to recharge.
And for veterans and communities, commemorations on the 25th of April remain untouched and honoured, as affirmed by RSL leadership.
Real-Life Scenario: How a Northern Beaches Café Can Prepare
Imagine you run a seaside café in Manly. April is usually busy, but staffing an extra public holiday may require:
- Early communication with casual workers
- Forecasting higher wage expenses
- Adjusting food inventory to account for tourist surges
However, the opportunity is also huge. Families are more likely to dine out during extended weekends. A strategic roster could turn a cost into a profit.
A Few Timely Tips Moving Forward
✔ Revisit your employment contracts
Ensure clauses around public holidays and penalty rates are clear and compliant.
✔ Update your bookkeeping software
Add the new public holiday dates to avoid payroll errors.
✔ Build public-holiday costs into your FY24 and FY25 forecasts
This creates smoother operations and reduces stress.
✔ Consider flexible trading options
If operating costs outweigh revenue potential, closing for the day may make more financial sense.
✔ Seek personalised advice early
Tax and regulatory changes evolve fast—staying ahead protects both your business and your wellbeing.
Final Thoughts: Turning Policy Shifts into Practical Wins
At EnduregoTax of Ashfield and the Northern Beaches, we believe that understanding government changes isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empowering everyday people to make confident financial decisions.
This new public-holiday trial is a reminder that:
- Change is constant
- Preparedness is powerful
- And guidance from experienced professionals removes uncertainty
If you’d like help adjusting your payroll, projections, or tax strategy to accommodate the new April public holidays, our team is ready to support you with clarity and care.
