Will Hodgman: Liberal Government Committed to Supporting Our Veterans

Today at the 99th RSL Tasmania State Congress in Launceston I confirmed the Liberal Government’s support for the state’s 11,000 war veterans and ex-service personnel.

In the coming parliamentary fortnight, we will introduce Legislation into Parliament to crack-down on war memorial vandals.

Those who gave their lives in the service of our country deserve our deepest respect. The vandalism of war memorials is abhorrent and unacceptable.

The laws will create a new crime of “Desecration of a War Memorial” within the Criminal Code.

Offenders will pay for repairs, in addition to being fined, and perform community service work with the RSL to learn about the ANZAC spirit and repay the community.

We’ve also committed an extra $100,000 per year over three years to the RSL State Branch to assist with the ongoing operational costs and increased support of the veteran community.

And we will also establish, in a joint initiative with the RSL, an Edward “Teddy” Sheean memorial Trust as a tribute to the late Tasmanian sailor, who bravely died defending his country during World War II.

The Teddy Sheean Memorial Trust will offer $100,000 to fund minor capital works at ex-serving clubs and organisations.

These grant programs will inject money into local economies and help to maintain the essential infrastructure that is at the heart of ex-service organisations and cadet units.

I wish delegates at the State Congress all the best with their deliberations today and tomorrow and look forward to working with them into the future.
Will Hodgman, Premier