Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia) Share this | Hansard source

On the same subject, it is a sign of our Australianism that we give credit where credit is due. I just want to take a few seconds tonight to give credit to Senator Ronaldson for his sterling effort in changing around what was turning out to be an absolute catastrophe for one of Australia’s iconic sites. Senator Ronaldson has been running a campaign. He has assisted RSL clubs, service organisations or anyone around Australia who might have an interest in the curtailment of hours at the War Memorial that has occurred for many weeks and, indeed, months now.

In an illustrious career that has been literally adorned with many achievements and successes for his constituents, I have to say to Senator Ronaldson, ‘This is your finest hour.’ It would not have happened—in spite of what Senator Lundy has tried to indicate—if you, Senator Ronaldson, and Mr Tony Abbott had not made the sort of public noise about the financial problems confronting the Australian War Memorial. It is a great credit to you. It is a great credit to our leader Tony Abbott that he was prepared to join with you in this campaign not just here in Canberra but also right around Australia because the War Memorial is something that all Australians are so proud of. We want to be able to go and see it every day of the week as we can. What was happening to the budget was just scandalous, so congratulations Senator Ronaldson. As I say, this is almost your finest hour.