Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP

No questions on ANZAC crowds from Victoria's Veterans Minister

Victorians seeking answers from the government with regards to the unjustified limitations of ANZAC day.

By news@gippsland - 18th June 2021 - Back to News

Victoria's Veterans Minister has refused to explain a State Government decision to severely limit attendance at the 2021 ANZAC Day services at this week's parliamentary hearings on the State Budget.

Not even a virus shall stop us in remembering and honouring the sacrifices and services of those who served our nation, our servicemen and women, both past and present in our defence forces

Victorians need an explanation

In a bumbling and confused response, Veterans Minister Shaun Leane couldn't say why he did not advocate for more than 1400 to be allowed to attend this year’s ANZAC Day Dawn service – a decision that deeply offended Victoria's veteran community.

Attendees are being locked out

At the same time, the State Government was advocating for more than 75,000 to attend the MCG on the same day, less than two kilometres away. In a rambling response to the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC), the Minister wasted seven minutes attempting to quote what the restrictions were in other states – even failing to get that right.

He claimed only 400 people were allowed to attend the Dawn Service in Sydney, when in fact the permitted number was 5000. The Dawn Service limits left a number of veterans and their families locked out, forced to peer through erected fences or separated from the battalions they march with every year.

Veterans should be prioritized

Shadow Minister for Veterans Tim Bull said, "You have to wonder about this Government’s priorities and commitment to veterans when they are out in the media calling for 100,000 at the MCG on ANZAC Day, but are silent on the Dawn Service."

Veterans deserve an explanation

The Minster’s lack of advocacy on this topic left many veterans and veterans groups dumfounded. They are both outdoor events, on the same day in the same area. Their silence was deafening and when asked for an explanation, the Minister had nothing. Our veterans deserved at least an answer.

Pictures from ANZAC Day - Lest We Forget Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com