Statement by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh, MP

Thank you Mr Speaker,

I now table the Australian Government’s formal response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide’s Interim Report recommendations.

The Albanese Government has today responded to the 13 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Interim Report.

Community organisations across the nation will receive funding from the Australian Government to deliver projects honouring our nation’s veterans and safeguard Australia’s military history.

The Hon Anthony (Tony) Abbott AC has today been reappointed as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial.

Schools around the nation have been praised for their creative projects honouring Australian peacekeepers as part of the annual Anzac Day Schools’ Awards.

KIERAN GILBERT: Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh. Thanks for your time. It is a significant anniversary, isn’t it – since 1947 more than 66,000 Australians have served as peacekeepers.

Good morning.

I also acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Australia’s reputation as a global citizen will be commemorated tomorrow in Canberra with a service recognising the 75th anniversary of our involvement in peacekeeping operations to be broadcast live on the ABC.

Tomorrow, 80 years after the Battle for Australia, we recognise all those who defended our country during the Second World War, at home and in land, air and sea battles to our north.

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