Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

It is with a degree of sadness that I say that this is probably Senator Mason's last question, and we will miss him very much. He has been a very significant contributor to this place. Today at the Australian War Memorial the Prime Minister launched the Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience, which will be a travelling exhibition going to 23 sites throughout Australia over the Centenary of Anzac period. The Prime Minister was joined by Mr Ian Narev from the Commonwealth Bank and Mr David Thodey and incoming CEO Andy Penn from Telstra, who are the two principal financial supporters of the exhibition. On behalf of the government I want to thank those two companies most sincerely for their support. This is a real partnership between the corporate sector, the Australian War Memorial and the Australian government.

This will be the flagship community event of the Centenary of Anzac. From September this year Australians right throughout the nation will have the opportunity to experience the historical perspective of the First World War as well as gain an understanding of those theatres of war that we have been engaged with since that time. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all Australians, and particularly young Australians, understand the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served this nation over the last 100 years. We should always remind ourselves of the 102,000 names in the Australian War Memorial of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This exhibition will provide all Australians, particularly I am very pleased to say those in regional Australia, with a first hand experience of the military artefacts and interpretive materials that will be in the exhibition. I am very pleased that former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer has been appointed envoy of the exhibition. (Time expired)