Television interview – Sky News

KIERAN GILBERT, HOST: Let's go live now to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Matt Keogh. It's a cold and wet day in Canberra, but you've been doing something very important, along with veterans of the Korean War, marking 75 years on.

MATT KEOGH, MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL: Hi, Kieran. Yes, it's wet and windy out here, but nothing compared to the conditions that some over 18,000 Australians had to endure when they were participating in the Korean War, which was commenced 75 years ago today. So, we've just had the National Commemoration Service here in Canberra. We had a number of Korean veterans participating in the service and attending a wonderful opportunity to recognise their service in a conflict that often gets overlooked, and making sure that we as a nation remember their service and their contribution to defending South Korea against the aggression and invasion of North Korea that started 75 years ago today.

GILBERT. So, why is it and why has it been overlooked, do you think?

KEOGH: I think it's been overlooked in part because it was followed then by the Vietnam War, and it was right in the shadow of the Second World War, starting less than five years after the Second World War. But Australia made a major contribution to the Korean War. We were the second country to contribute all three forces into that conflict. We made major advancements, especially 3RAR, which became known as Old Faithful, for their capacity to assist in the effort in repelling the advance of the North Koreans. This was an existential crisis for South Korea, pushed all the way to the edge before the 22 countries came as part of a UN command to defend South Korea. And I've been fortunate enough to travel to Korea with some of our veterans a few years ago for the 70th anniversary of the armistice. And, you know, they really commented about how much change they saw from when they left there in the 1950s through to today. You know, South Korea is the 13th biggest economy in the world now, so substantive change. And they really spoke about the honour that they had to be part of something so important in defending South Korea and being part of a large multinational force.

GILBERT: Indeed, a few years back, with the then Prime Minister Gillard, I covered the anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong, and we're talking about some quite fierce battles in that war.

KEOGH: There was some very intense fighting during the course of that war. And for anyone familiar with Korea, they know that in the summer it's very hot and sticky, very humid, and in winter it is very bitterly cold, snowy and icy. And our soldiers, sailors and aviators had to endure all of those environments with fierce fighting against the North Koreans. And then, of course, the Chinese were involved in that conflict as well. It was bitter fighting, but the Australian Defence Force members held themselves very proud in the efforts and that was remarked upon by the South Koreans and other nations that were involved. And it's amazing to see when you're in Korea, just the reverence that is held for our, and all the veterans, from the South Korean government all the way down through the community for our efforts in defending South Korea.

GILBERT: And the other thing, Matt, before you go, and I will let you get inside, but the contribution of those, the Nashos, the National Service Australian personnel, they weren't just those that enlisted themselves, of course, we had the Nashos involvement as well in the Korean War.

KEOGH: Yes, there was part of national service involved in providing service both in Korea and post the armistice coming into effect. That is a feature of our Australian service. And we recognise all of those that participated in the National Service schemes, not just those that deployed, but those that were trained, taken away from their families, their jobs for a few years to participate in national service. It was, of course, for those that participated in conflict, had a huge impact. But for all of those who served through the National Service schemes, we recognise their contribution to our nation and honour their service as well.

GILBERT: The 75th anniversary of Australian service in the Korean War. Thank you for reflecting on that today with us, Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans' Affairs. Appreciate it. 

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