Anthony Albanese’s plans for Matildas public holiday

Not everyone is on-board with Anthony Albanese’s push for a public holiday should the Matildas go on to win the World Cup.

Anthony Albanese has been put on blast for pushing for a public holiday should the Matildas win the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Matildas dismantled Denmark in their do-or-die round of 16 match on Monday night, advancing to the quarterfinal against either France or Morocco.

It means the star-studded team is just three wins away from one of the greatest achievements in Australian sporting history.

The Prime Minister will take the push for a public holiday to national cabinet when it meets next week. He remarked it would be a “brave” premier who stood in the way of a day off.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Matildas’ group stage match between Australia and Nigeria last month. Picture: Lachie Millard

But not everyone is a fan. Liberal NSW member for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane outed herself as a “spoilsport” due to concerns of the impact on small business.

She said she didn’t need a day off to celebrate the Matildas’ success.

“It’s a burden and it’s not fair,” she told 2GB radio.

“When I heard Albo talk about it, I put it down to a typical Albo brain explosion … It’s populous politics, and it’s damaging to the economy.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was equally sceptical.

“The Prime Minister wants to give them a public holiday. I don’t know about that,” he said.

“But still, let’s not jinx this. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It was a great win last night – the Diamonds as well.”

National cabinet will meet next week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

However, NSW Premier Chris Minns appeared keener. He initially told Sydney’s 2GB via text message that his government would “back the Matildas with a public holiday”.

But when asked at a press conference later, he toned down his support.

“We want to be in a position where we can celebrate that achievement, but we want to see the Matildas get to the final first,” he said.

“So that’s likely to be raised at national cabinet next week. We’ll have more to say when we speak to the other state premiers and to the Prime Minister as well about next steps.”

When asked about the cost to the public service, Mr Minns said the weight of the achievement was a key consideration.

“If they make the final it will be one of the greatest sporting achievements by any sporting team in the country's entire history,” he said.

Public holidays can only be called by state governments.

The last public holiday agreed to by national cabinet was the national day of mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II last September.

Mr Albanese said Matildas fever had gripped the country and he was trying to move his schedule around so he could attend the quarterfinal clash in Brisbane on Saturday.

“We did light up Parliament House last night. We … went out there. It was a bit chilly, I’ve got to say. I braved the Canberra cold to light up Parliament House just as a sign of our support for the Tillys,” he told Sydney’s Triple M.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese’s plans for Matildas public holiday