TV Interview - 7 NEWS

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
INTERVIEW
7 NEWS 
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MEMORIAL, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX
THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024

SUBJECTS: Anzac Day; Russian Invasion of Ukraine.      

JOURNALIST: Can you talk about the feelings, the emotion, walking through hallowed ground like this, seeing these gravesites, what words would you use to describe?

MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL, MATT KEOGH: It's mind tingling actually to participate in the commemoration for Anzac Day here in Villers-Bretonneux, but to see so many Australians and French that have turned out, school kids coming to pay their respects as well, seeing the next generation continuing to honour the traditions of Anzac and Anzac Day. Not just remembering those that served all the way back in the First World War, but have served all the way through to the present day in peacekeeping operations.

JOURNALIST: We're reflecting on this past conflict century ago, but Europe finds itself in quite a precarious situation at the moment. Does that go through your mind when you stop and pause and think about the cost of war?

MINISTER KEOGH: I think certainly when you have the opportunity to cover the fields here and think about the trenches that were dug in and the Australians that were fighting here, and to think that there are trenches in Ukraine right now where there are ongoing battles so close to here, it is important to remember the real human cost engaged in war and hearing those stories and talking to families here who are tracing back their footsteps of their family members. It's really important to bear that close to mind.

JOURNALIST: Thank you so much.

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