Milton Dick (Oxley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Like many of my colleagues before me, I rise today to place on record my thanks, admiration and appreciation for Dr Brendan Nelson and his service to our country as Director of the Australian War Memorial. During his time as director, the Australian War Memorial has only grown in stature and entrenched its place as the epicentre of recognising the brave men and women who have served our nation. He has been quite an extraordinary leader at the Australian War Memorial, but more on that a little later. I would also like to describe him as a visionary leader. I don't know Dr Nelson that well, but I do think it important that today the House recognise his service to the nation, in particular, in a bipartisan fashion, because that's exactly how he has behaved as director.

The War Memorial is a special place for Australians, young and old, who come from all parts of our country not only to pay their respects but also to learn about the history and stories of our nation during wartime. On the many occasions that I've met with students from my electorate who have visited Canberra for their school trips, many of them are quick to tell me about their time at the War Memorial. In fact, Woodcrest State College, from the electorate of Oxley, will be visiting tomorrow as part of their year 6 school trip to Canberra and will be laying a wreath at 2.30 pm at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We're fortunate to live in a country that is largely free from the horrors of war and the War Memorial offers students a glimpse into what our serving men and women experience during these times, particularly, as we've heard in today's discussion, during World War I and World War II, along with all the conflicts our nation has been involved with.

I come from a military family myself with my late father, Allan Baxter Dick, having served during World War II on board the HMAS Ararat serving as a signalman in New Guinea. It was only in his later years that my father began to feel comfortable in sharing some of his experiences during the war. As many veterans do, he kept the scars of the past to himself for most of his life, not wanting to relive the experience or place a burden on others. It is for reasons like this the War Memorial is so important. It's a place where not only Australians but also international visitors can see firsthand pieces of military equipment and uniforms and see for themselves the great sacrifices our service men and women have given to our country. Dr Nelson has played an integral part in this. He has brought his considerable capacity, enthusiasm and diligence to a job that requires diligence and a special touch. With this in mind, Labor has supported the Australian War Memorial redevelopment project, which will ensure the memorial remains a solemn place of remembrance for future generations, especially in its mission to recognise and deepen our understanding of more recent conflicts like Afghanistan and Iraq, and peacekeeping missions to the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

I have been honoured to visit some of these regions as part of the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program. Whilst you can read about it in the papers, or see it on the television, there's nothing like being there in person, side by side with our troops, to appreciate the great sacrifice they give to our country.

The Australian War Memorial holds a very important place in the hearts of Australians and is an important marker of the sacrifice our armed forces have made to keep our country safe. Its director, Dr Nelson, leaves very big shoes to fill and a high benchmark with the honour, enthusiasm and commitment that he has given the role.

On behalf of the Oxley electorate, and the thousands of Australians who have been fortunate to visit the Australian War Memorial, I thank Dr Nelson for his service and wish he and his family all the very best for the future.

See this speech in context