Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Hasluck, and I thank all the members of parliament who attended the ceremony that was held this morning. This year, we mark half a century since Australian guns fell silent in Vietnam. Sixty thousand Australians served in that conflict, more than 3,000 were wounded and, tragically, 523 were killed. Futures were robbed and lives were changed forever for those who went and for those who loved them. And yet for so long the truth is that we as a nation didn't measure up to them, to those people who served in our name and who did their duty in our name. We didn't hold up their names so proudly. So to each and every one of our Vietnam veterans today I say: we honour you and we thank you for your service.

This morning I had the great privilege, along with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, to present 10 veterans—and they are here with us today in the gallery and I welcome them—with the commemorative medallion and certificate of commemoration. Barney Hanson, Brian Armstrong, Colleen Thurgar, Gerry Mapstone, John Moore, Mac Weller, Noel McLachlan, Pedro Rosemond, Ray Lastelle and Rodney O'Regan—to all of you I say: thank you for your service. To the men and women who continue to serve us in the Australian Defence Force, we thank you for your service as well.

We also want to acknowledge the families of Vietnam veterans for their sacrifice and support. We will continue to honour, particularly in this 50th year, the veterans who served our nation. We should give them the gratitude of our nation. I'm sure that I can speak on behalf of every member of this parliament on this occasion. We do honour you. In August, when we commemorate on Vietnam Veterans Day there will be a range of commemorative services around this country as well. I am certain that members of parliament from across the spectrum will participate in it. You are very welcome here and I honour you today.

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