Tuesday, 13 May 2025

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (18:46): (1599) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, Minister Carroll. Minister, the Battle for Australia ceremony is an exciting, inspirational and educational day for students. The commemoration seeks to educate Australian children to appreciate, honour and learn from the heroism, sacrifice and service of all those who fought between 1941 and 1945 to defend Australia, its territories and its national interests. The commemoration service held in September 2024 saw the attendance of 12 primary and secondary schools, with 400 students, 40 teachers, parents, invited VIP guests and many members of the public. However, since the high point of the centenary of Anzac Day a decade ago, community and veteran organisations have noticed a drop-off in school-age students’ understanding of Australia’s diggers and their service. That is why the action I seek is this: will the minister provide an update on what the government is doing to foster and inspire better knowledge of veterans among young people, and what programs does the Allan Labor government provide to support our veteran organisations to get schoolkids to attend events such as these.