Matildas fans get massive win as NSW premier drops public holiday bombshell

NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced the state will pursue a public holiday if the Matildas win the Women's World Cup. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been touting the possibility of a national public holiday, but Mr Minns confirmed on Monday that he wants NSW to get one if the Matildas go all the way.

Mr Minns said on 2GB radio on Monday: "If the Matildas win the semi-final and then win the World Cup final, then yes we will pursue a public holiday in NSW. 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 what will be an amazing, like, life-changing and unbelievable event in the state's history."

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On Sunday, Nationals leader David Littleproud poured cold water on calls for a national public holiday, saying it would be too expensive for small business. "I don't want to be captain killjoy on this, but look, I think business has a point here," he told ABC's 'Insiders' program. "It's easy to call for a national holiday when someone else is paying for it."

"I'm proud of the Matildas, I think every Australian is, and we're going to be riding it home on Wednesday night," he said. "We can celebrate our wins but we've got to get on and pay the bills and make sure that the country keeps going." Mr Albanese is set to speak about the proposal of a national public holiday with state and territory leaders at national cabinet on Wednesday.

Additional live sites announced for Matilas semi-final

Meanwhile, Matildas fans who couldn't get tickets to the blockbuster semi-final showdown with England on Wednesday night will have a number of options in regards to watching it on a big screen at a live site. State premiers Minns and Dan Andrews announced on Sunday that Sydney and Melbourne will be opening up more live sites than ever before.

Fans have been packing out Federation Square in Melbourne and Tumbalong Park in Sydney throughout the tournament, and Mr Andrews even opened up Rod Laver Arena on Saturday night for the Matildas' quarter-final clash with France. But on Sunday there were a number of new live sites announced for Wednesday night's semi-final

Mr Andrews said AAMI Park will be open on a 'first come, best dressed' situation for anyone who wants to watch the game on the big screen with fellow fans. "Big game needs a bigger stadium. AAMI Park. Wednesday night. Be there," he wrote on social media.

It comes after fans at the MCG for the AFL clash between Melbourne and Carlton were left highly disappointed on Saturday night when the Matildas game was taken off the big screen when the AFL started. FIFA reportedly wanted the AFL to show the Matildas game in its entirety, but the AFL didn't want it on during their game.

The NSW Premier also announced that there will be extra live sites at Allianz Stadium (Moore Park) and CommBank Stadium (Parramatta). "The semi-finals are set up for an absolute blockbuster, so we are opening up Commbank Stadium and Allianz Stadium at Moore Park so people can come together and celebrate what will definitely be a victory by the Matildas on Wednesday night," Mr Minns said.

Large crowds are also expected at the official FIFA fan zone in Darling Harbour and in front of large screens outside Stadium Australia at Olympic Park, where the game will be played at 8pm. "There are plenty of opportunities for people to get out and back the Matildas," Mr Minns said.

"You'll never get another opportunity to see such a massive sporting event on our shores. Your vocal cords will play a big part in getting the Matildas over the line."

The Premier urged people heading to a live site to pick the one closest to them. "This is why we have a site at Parramatta," he said. "We spread it out through metro Sydney. I know there were a few problems last night that they're trying to iron out. I think the crowds have been patient - they've been fantastic."

Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide to get more live sites

HBF Park will also be open for fans in Perth, as well as the pre-existing live site in Forrest Place. "You’ll be able to watch the game from our own World Cup pitch or in the stands - so bring a picnic blanket if you want a spot on the grass (no deck chairs). Food and drink options will also be available on the night," WA Premier Roger Cook tweeted.

Brisbane and Adelaide are also expected to have additional live sites available. "We are also looking at an additional location so we can accommodate even more South Australians who want to come and support the Matildas. I hope to have more to say tomorrow," South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said on Sunday.

Major live sites for Matildas World Cup semi-final around Australia:

Sydney

• FIFA Fan Festival - Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour

• Allianz Stadium, Moore Park

• CommBank Stadium, Parramatta

• Olympic Park, outside Stadium Australia

Melbourne

• AAMI Park, Melbourne

• FIFA Fan site - Federation Square

Brisbane

• FIFA Fan site – Riverside Green, South Bank, South Brisbane

Adelaide

• FIFA Fan site – Festival Plaza, Adelaide

Perth

• HBF Park, Perth

• FIFA Fan site – Forrest Place, Perth

* more to follow

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