Penny Wright (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) about 70 000 Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police personnel have been deployed on over 60 peacekeeping operations throughout the world, significantly contributing to international peace and security, and

(ii) more than 40 000 people signed a community petition calling for the 48 Australian peacekeepers who have died in service to receive equal recognition and be placed on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial; and

(b) commends:

(i) the Australian War Memorial Council's decision to recognise peacekeepers on the Roll of Honour; and

(ii) the tireless work of advocates, including Mrs Avril Clark, Ms Sarah McCarthy and the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans' Association for their work on this matter.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a very short statement.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I just want to associate the coalition with the motion moved by Senator Wright and thank her for doing so. There are some 48 men and women who have died on peacekeeping duties since 1947. As has always been the case, this was a matter for the Australian War Memorial, but the coalition is very grateful that the council has made the decision. It is an important one and it finally recognises these Australian peacekeepers whose names have not been on the roll before.

Penny Wright (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Penny Wright (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It gives me great pleasure to be able to stand here after the decision of the Australian War Memorial Council to recognise peacekeepers on the Roll of Honour after a very, very long campaign, particularly run by the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association, advocates and family members—such as Avril Clark, Sarah McCarthy and Peter Pridue—of fallen peacekeepers. I am very proud of the role that the Greens have played in this: when the APPVA came and spoke to us about a year ago, we were prepared to take up this fight and support the many people who have been campaigning for such a long period of time. I am pleased that other parties came on board towards the end of the campaign, and I am very pleased that the Australian War Memorial Council, which is an independent body, finally decided to recognise peacekeepers on the Roll of Honour and do what was appropriate and fitting for these brave people who represent Australia in international forums, to our eternal honour. It is only appropriate. (Time expired)

Senator Jacinta Collins interjecting—

Senator Fifield interjecting—

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could I just ask the two managers to cease talking across the chamber. It is very hard to deal with business.

Question agreed to.