Ministers statements: Remembrance Day
Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:09): I rise today to mark Remembrance Day, one of the most significant days in the year for veterans and their families. It was an honour to attend the shrine service on Saturday 11 November together with the Premier and many other colleagues. I know Victorians attended services across the state. Many volunteers of all ages donate their time and effort to this important day of remembrance. Every year we pause to mark the moment when the guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918. Observing that moment of silence, we remember the brave Australians who died on the battlefields in World War I, and we also remember all defence personnel who have served and are still serving in conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world. We have lost some 103,000 Australians in the service of our nation, and many more have made great sacrifices. We remember those who have given their lives for peace, for democracy and for the freedoms that we enjoy today. We are reminded all too often that peace is fragile and must be treasured, not just on Remembrance Day but throughout the year. To quote Governor Gardner’s speech from the Remembrance Day service, as Victoria grows and changes:
… it is more important than ever that we learn from the lessons of the past …
That when faced with difference, we choose curiosity; when met with intolerance, we choose understanding; and when confronted with conflict we pursue peace.
Lest we forget.
The SPEAKER: Before I call for the next question, can I acknowledge in the gallery former Premier the Honourable Jeffrey Kennett.