TV Interview - Sky News First Edition

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
TV INTERVIEW 
SKY NEWS FIRST EDITION
THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024

SUBJECTS: Anzac Day.

HOST, PETER STEFANOVIC: As we continue our coverage of Anzac Day today and as Australians gather at dawn services around the country this morning, there are other key events being held overseas. One of the main events is on the Western Front in Villers-Bretonneux in France, where we find Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh. Now Minister, good to have you with us. Thank you so much for joining us on such a special day. An honour for you to be there, no doubt.

MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL, MATT KEOGH: A huge honour to be here in France on the Western Front for the Anzac Day commemorations here, and to participate in other commemorations that have been happening in the lead up to today. But really special to see so many Australians coming over here and especially school groups to participate in the commemorations.

PETER STEFANOVIC: Well, just on that, how many are we expecting this year? Because there's always, given that it's so far away, there's always still a pretty decent turnout.

MINISTER KEOGH: So, in Gallipoli this year, we'll have about 1,800 people, and here in Villers-Bretonneux, we'll have over 2,200, which is the most that we've seen since 2018, which was the centenary of the battle here. So, great to see Australians still turning out in droves, showing their commitment to honouring their family members that fought here and all Australians that fought here, and not just here, but around the globe.

PETER STEFANOVIC: It's such a humbling place to be there on the Western Front. Having been there myself a few times, it's just stunning when you look out and you remember what would have been more than 100 years ago. And it's always a warm welcome that you receive from the local French, isn't it?

MINISTER KEOGH: Certainly, the French have been very welcoming of me and all the Australians here, so willing to share their stories and their family stories of their experience of the Australians being here over 100 years ago. They continue to welcome us with welcome arms, and it just shows the strength of the friendship that was formed on the battlefields and in the villages of France all the way back in the First World War.

PETER STEFANOVIC: That is Matt Keogh, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. Live for us from Villers-Bretonneux on the Western Front in France. Minister, appreciate your time. Thank you so much.

END

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