Celia Hammond (Curtin, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Stirling for moving this motion. Respect, uncompromising directness and honesty, healthy scepticism and care and concern for all. When I think of what defines the men and women who belong to the RSL sub-branches in my community and underpins their actions and outlooks, I think of these characteristics. Members of the RSL, the veterans who have served Australia, respect our institutions, values and freedoms but they don't do it blindly. It is not in their character to fall for jingoistic rhetoric or fail to keep those in authority accountable. If they don't agree with something, they'll let you know—and in pretty blunt terms. Likewise, if they agree with something, they will let you know, but they will never pump up your tyres for no reason.

They are actively engaged with and participate in the institutions around them. They participate, they question, and they maintain a healthy scepticism, because the motto which defines the RSL is 'The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance'. That motto, which has been enunciated in different ways throughout the ages, is at its heart a reminder to all of us to be engaged in our democracy. The veterans who make up the RSLs throughout Australia, know that this vigilance is vital, because many of them have seen firsthand what happens to the citizens of nations where authority is unaccountable, where participation in institutions is prescribed. They know that this vigilance is not something that can be paused or taken for granted. We've seem time and again throughout history just how quickly liberties can be eroded—and our liberty is paramount. For members of the RSL, their service to Australia and their vigilance did not finish when they hung up their uniform. It continues to be demonstrated in how the RSL has advocated and continues to advocate for economic and health support measures for veterans and their families. It's also demonstrated in how they participate in their local communities. They care and are concerned for all.

In the Curtin community there are over 1,000 vets, and we have the Campbell Barracks and the Irwin Barracks. We also have eight RSL sub-branches: Cambridge, Subiaco, Cottesloe, Mosman Park, Metlands, Scarborough, Shenton Park and Claremont. Each of these sub-branches plays an incredibly vital role in our community. They are more than just a meeting place for veterans and their families. These sub-branches and their members live out the RSL motto in how they support our community, and their contributions can be seen in any number of ways—from working with the local rotary clubs to help with collections for Foodbank to ensuring that the stories of the local veterans are shared with our community.

They also support local sporting clubs and regularly collaborate with schools in our community to engage students in both Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies and the Poppy Day appeal. Perhaps most importantly, RSLs help students to understand the sacrifices of those who have served our country in conflicts, which ensures that the young people and the generations that follow continue to understand how hard won the freedoms are that we all now share and what their responsibility is in maintaining our liberty. Equally, the individual members of the RSL are just as active in their individual engagement with the broader community. They serve on local councils and on the boards of charities.

While he will probably haul me over the coals for this, I want to call out one particular RSL sub-branch president, and that is Mr David Thomas. He's currently the President of the Claremont RSL. In addition to being the President of Claremont sub-branch of the RSL, he's also the President of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, the President of the Boer War Memorial Society and Vice-President of Western Suburbs National Seniors Australia. David's leadership and commitment to our community is infectious. He's a stand-up kind of man and he's also a very down-to-earth man. He has given me advice and assistance on all manner of things. I know he'll will give me a bollocking for saying it, but, David, thank you for your service and thank you for your leadership, not only to our vets, our current serving men and women in Defence but also our broader community. David, you are a legend.

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