Thursday, 19 March 2020

Ministers statements: Anzac Day

Mr SCOTT (Preston—Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Veterans) (11:38): This is actually in relation to veterans. The coronavirus has created an unprecedented situation for our community. In consultation with the states and territories, the federal government—and I would like to thank the federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs—has made a difficult decision to cancel all Australian-led overseas Anzac Day services this year. This includes services in France, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. In accordance with health advice, Victoria’s Anzac Day commemorative council has also made the very difficult decision that midday services and marches will be cancelled statewide. Modified dawn services, including at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance, will proceed but they will not be open to the public. Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all Australians who served in war and peacekeeping operations. It is the day central to our national identity.

On Saturday, 25 April, I encourage all Australians to join a televised Melbourne dawn service from home. I also invite all Victorians to join together for a minute’s silence at 6.00 am on Anzac Day. We can connect with one another during this time using the hashtag #StandTo. This term, which refers to turning out and standing ready, is particularly significant at dawn and dusk and will be familiar to veterans. This is a fitting way to continue to remember and recognise all of those who have served or continue to serve in our defence forces.

The Victorian government, and I am sure all people of goodwill in this place and outside of it, recognises that this is an extremely difficult time, both for veterans and other vulnerable members of our community, and thanks the community for its vigilance and support. And I would also like to place on record my—and I am sure, again, that of all members of this house—gratitude to the RSL and other service organisations for the work that they are doing during these difficult times.