- NRL matches to be played on Anzac Day in 2025
- New South Wales Premier Chris Minns explained to reporters why
- Retail ban continues on April 25
NSW Premier Chris Minns has explained why Anzac Day NRL matches will go ahead next year after banning retail stores from opening on the sacred date for war veterans.
Minns confirmed rugby league matches will continue to be played on April 25, pointing to ongoing negotiations between RSL and NRL management.
“It’s very important to note that this match (Anzac) came about as a result of long negotiations between the RSL and rugby league,” he said on Wednesday.
‘We don’t want Anzac Day to be a lonely day, we want the community to come together and commemorate those who served their country.
‘If you go to that rugby league game… you’ll recognise that the Anzac spirit… is not an afterthought in the game.
‘It is fundamental to the purpose of holding that event, now that is not a decision that I have made, it is a decision that the leadership of the RSL has made.
“The truth of the matter is that Anzac Day is Australia’s national day.”
The news comes as retail will be banned on Anzac Day from next year in New South Wales, and the Premier of Minnesota wants to stop “creeping commercialism” on a day that “brings all Australians together”.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has explained why Anzac Day NRL matches will go ahead next year after banning retail stores from opening on the sacred date for war veterans.
The Roosters’ clash with the Dragons on April 25 is a highlight of the NRL calendar every year (pictured, football star Angus Crichton)
The making of the last goalpost (pictured) on Anzac Day is a revered moment for many football fans on Anzac Day.
Minns has also taken steps to ban music festivals, saying it is “not a day” for them to be held.
Retail restrictions vary across Australian states and territories, with only Western Australia having a complete ban on shopping on Anzac Day.
Victoria and Queensland allow trading from 1pm, while the ACT and Northern Territory have no restrictions in place.
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said Minnesota’s decision would allow veterans and their families to attend commemorations together.
“It’s a great way to ensure we protect the sanctity of Anzac Day, the most important day for our veterans,” he said.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has backed the extension of the trade ban, which he says ensures veterans are properly honoured.
“It is a day of national significance and we must give everyone the opportunity to participate in the memorial services,” he said.
Premier Minns also announced that $2 million will be spent to build the state’s first major memorial to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns.
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action involving Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.