Tuesday, 14 November 2023

 Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (19:14): (438) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Veterans, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me in a visit to the Glenroy RSL to hear about their important work in supporting veterans. On Saturday I attended a moving Remembrance Day service at the Glenroy RSL. The hardworking and dedicated president Ken White shared the story of a local World War I hero Major General Harold Elliott – ‘Pompey’ was his nickname – who trained at Maygar Barracks. There is a portrait of him hanging in the function room. Although Pompey grew up in poverty on a farm in West Charlton, he was able to go to university in Ballarat after his father struck it rich in the Western Australian goldfields.

He rose through the ranks of the army and became a decorated war hero, known for his forthrightness, his generosity and above all his refusal to waste lives. He was beloved by his men and would never ask them to do anything he was not prepared to do himself. A brilliant tactician, a fierce fighter and immensely brave, he always led from the front, and although at times he could be reckless himself, he did not take risks with his soldiers. Major General Harold Elliott – Pompey – landed on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and was later involved in the Battle of Lone Pine and in the Battle of Fromelles, which represented the worst 24 hours of Australia’s military history. With two battalions nearly wiped out and the loss of 1800 men from his own brigade, Pompey knew the full horror of war and suffered PTSD on his return, which was then called shell shock. Although he contributed much to the RSL movement and worked very hard to ensure returned servicemen were looked after, he himself was unfortunately crippled with depression and tragically committed suicide in 1931.

War takes so much from so many and takes a heartbreaking toll on our service men and women, who give so much of themselves to protect the freedom and democracy that is so precious to us here in Australia. The RSLs have been steadfast advocates for veterans’ rights and welfare for over a century, and I commend their tireless efforts to support those who have served our country. I thank the Glenroy RSL and RSLs across the state for the important role they play in our community and the critical work they do to support our returned service men and women. I also commend the tireless dedication and hours given by the volunteer committees that run them. I am grateful for the Allan Labor government’s support of veterans, including our veterans grants programs that honour and provide practical support for our veterans.