Radio interview, 4BC Brisbane

E&OE transcript
Radio interview
4BC Brisbane

MARK HINE: We do have actually on the line, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh is with us this morning. Good morning, Matt.

MATT KEOGH: Hello, how are you?

GARY CLARE: This is obviously a big day right around the country, not only for everyone, it's going to be a busy day for you as well.

MATT KEOGH: Look, it is a busy day for me, but it's not about me, it's about our serving men and women, our veterans and, of course, the 103,000 Australians that have given their life and service to the nation that we commemorate today as part of Remembrance Day. It's now 104 years since the Armistice that brought to an end the First World War, and it's an important day to remember those that not only gave their lives and the ultimate sacrifice, but all of those that have served and their families that suffered along with them.

LAUREL EDWARDS: 104 years since the Armistice, Minister, as you say, and there is a concern, as the years do drag on, that the significance of that day will be lost. But, of course, younger generations still go out, still speak to Grandma, Granddad and go out to these commemorations, which is really beautiful to see, isn't it?

MATT KEOGH: Well, certainly over the last few years as well, people haven't been able to go out and attend commemorations like we normally would because of COVID, but I think with Australia just having wrapped up involvement in the last few years and some of its longest ever conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, our contemporary veterans are also now a focus of commemorations like today on Remembrance Day as well as Anzac Day. And this is an important opportunity for the nation to come together and respect their service, and especially those that died in the service of their nation in those battles, as well as all the way back to World War I and the many battles in between.

MARK HINE: Minister look, we'll have to leave it there but thank you for joining us today.

MATT KEOGH: It's great to be with you.

END

Authorised by The Hon Matt Keogh MP

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608