A public holiday in honour of Australia's World Cup success is looking more and more likely as the prime minister calls for a national celebration regardless of the final result.
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The Matildas booked Australia a spot in the semi-finals after a nail-biting penalty shootout with France, setting up a showdown with England on Wednesday.
Should the hosts advance to the final and win, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has flagged the possibility of the country's workers enjoying a day off in recognition of the victory.
He brushed off concerns about the impact a snap public holiday could have, particularly on small business and scheduled hospital operations.
"The world doesn't stop on a public holiday," he said on Monday.
Mr Albanese remembered people were concerned about the cost of the national day of mourning when Queen Elizabeth II died but it ended up providing a big boost to hospitality businesses.
"Regardless of what happens, what we need to do is to have a proper celebration for the Matildas and their achievements," he said.
"It has been extraordinary the way that they've carried themselves not just on the field during a game but afterwards as well."
The prime minister will discuss the matter with state and territory leaders when they meet for national cabinet in Brisbane on Wednesday.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has already signalled his support if the Matildas take out the World Cup title and said he was committed to pursuing a public holiday.
"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," he said.
But Victoria was unwilling to back the prime minister's push for a national holiday before Wednesday night.
"Let's cross that bridge first," Victorian Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos told reporters.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud declared himself "captain killjoy" and rejected the idea of a holiday because of the economic cost.
"It's all well and good for premiers and the prime minister to promise public holidays but, ultimately, someone foots the bill and that in this case is small business," he said.
Australian Associated Press
