Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Let me thank all members of the House that have made contributions here this morning. I thank the member for Ryan and the member for Casey especially for their contribution not just to the debate but also to our service men and women and our veterans throughout not just their electorates but the country.

The bill gives effect to the government's election commitment to prohibit the imposition of parking and entry fees at the Australian War Memorial. Every year close to a million Australians visit the memorial to pay their respects to the fallen and to visit the world-class museum. As I say to all guests that come here internationally, be they presidents, prime ministers, foreign dignitaries or diplomats, you will never understand Australia and its people unless you have been to the cauldron itself—the Australian War Memorial. At the memorial, visitors can see and experience the Roll of Honour, the Hall of Valour, the dioramas and the Hall of Memory containing the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

The bill amends the Australian War Memorial Act 1980 to ensure that entry to and parking at the memorial remain free so that everyone has access to a world-class shrine, a museum and an archive that commemorates and remembers the unique Australian military service that has so defined the nation.

I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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