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Nationals and Liberals propose tougher penalties to protect war memorials and historic sites from vandalism and desecration

A Nationals and Liberal government would introduce tougher laws to protect war memorials and historic sites, imposing up to 10 years’ jail for vandalism and desecration.

By news@gippsland - 22nd April 2026 - Back to News

If elected in November, a Nationals and Liberal government will introduce new laws to protect our war memorials and historic sites. Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Tim Bull, said war memorials are sacred and honour Australians who gave everything for our country.

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and State MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Leader of the Liberal Party, Jess Wilson, have vowed to introduce new laws to protect war memorials and historical sites if the Liberal and Nationals form government this November

Stronger vandalism penalties

Mr Bull said, "When acts of desecration and vandalism occur, it infuriates the wider community and it's important that the perpetrators are held to account. Offenders will now face up to 10 years' jail dependent on the seriousness of the action - and be ordered to pay for the repairs and restorations."

"Up until now, such acts have been treated as regular cases of vandalism, but they will now carry greater repercussions for offenders - as they should. Over the last several years, Victoria has seen increasing levels of destruction or desecration of local war memorials and historic sites."

"They have usually taken place in the lead up to, or on, nationally significant occasions, such as ANZAC Day. This is about respect for veterans, history, and our communities. It's a significant change - we will not allow this behaviour to become normalised," said Mr Bull.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
  Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities.
• Martin Cameron calls on Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train capacity during free travel April promotion
  Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train carriages, warning free travel and school holidays will overwhelm current V/Line services, creating unsafe, overcrowded conditions.