Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Ministers statements: Remembrance Day

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (11:54): I would like to update the house on this year’s Remembrance Day service at the Shrine of Remembrance, which our government were very happy to facilitate with $70 000 to help put this event on. Can I say at the outset what a magnificent job the shrine trustees and the CEO, Dean Lee, did in delivering a fantastic commemoration in a year that honoured 21 years of service and sacrifice in the 21st century. They recognised and honoured the Australian Defence Force veterans past and present and reflected on recent conflicts, peacekeeping efforts and disaster relief missions. I acknowledge the attendance, of course, of Victoria’s Governor, the Premier, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

In a very significant moment, Boon Wurrung elders Uncle Shane Clarke and Uncle Mik Edwards performed a smoking ceremony. This was the first time a smoking ceremony has been performed at the shrine. Uncle Mik Edwards delivered a powerful welcome to country, and I thank him for that. The Remembrance Day commemorations were also live streamed on the shrine’s website, Facebook and YouTube channels for commemoration at home.

Of course, while we commemorate brave Victorians, we also need to continue to acknowledge contemporary veterans and ex-service men and women in really important ways. I acknowledge the announcement from Minister Pulford of a subsidy of $20 000 for any employer that employs an ex-service man or woman. This is a great announcement, and I think these are real things. I will have more to say about housing early next year and also more to say about employment early next year and also more to say about mental health for these important people.