NSW will score a public holiday if the Matildas win the FIFA World Cup

Aug 16, 2023

The Tillies may have the nation united but the holiday has got folks divided.

It’s official, folks! If our golden girls, the Matildas, win the FIFA World Cup, NSW is scoring a public holiday to celebrate. NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed his support for the public holiday on 2GB radio on Monday, August 14, stating, “If the Matildas win the semi-final and then win the World Cup final, then yes, we will pursue a public holiday in NSW.”

Minns continued, “Not just to celebrate the victory, but also to have a massive civic celebration and allow the Matildas to celebrate with the people of Sydney in what would be an amazing, life-changing and unbelievable event in the state’s history.”

The Matildas have already made history by being the first Australian soccer team to make it to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, in an inspiring display of sporting prowess that has brought together Aussie fans in a way we’ve not seen before.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also backed the public holiday, which will be determined on a state-by-state basis.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has confirmed residents will not get a public holiday if the Matildas win, despite the PM’s plea.

Nationals frontbencher Barnaby Joyce has publicly questioned why one sports team should get a public holiday and not another, like the Diamonds winning the Netball World Cup earlier this month.

Self-proclaimed ‘Captain Killjoy’, Nationals leader David Littleproud, also isn’t a fan of the public holiday plan, citing that it would be too expensive for small businesses. However, the Prime Minister was quick to remind him, when appearing on ABC’s Sydney Breakfast radio show on August 14, that the public day of mourning for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II provided a huge boost for the hospitality industry.

So, when are we getting our public holiday?

While still not 100 percent confirmed, Premier Minns has suggested that a public holiday will likely occur on the second Monday after the grand final. For those counting down on their fingers and toes, that will be Monday, August 28.