HONOURING TASMANIAN VETERANS

Tasmania’s RSL Congress has today heard of the respect that Australians have for the men and women who serve our country.

President of the Senate and Senator for Tasmania, the Hon Stephen Parry, was invited to address the delegates on behalf of the Australian Government.

Senator Parry said the recent 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings has further contributed to a national understanding of the role RSLs play in the community.

Senator Parry shared with the delegates his honour at representing Australia in New Zealand for the Dawn Service and National ANZAC Day Memorial Service at Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington.

The services were an opportunity to reflect on the important and special relationship Australia shares with New Zealand and were among the many worldwide commemorations to mark ANZAC Day.

Senator Parry also spoke today about the Commonwealth Government’s ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Programme.

“Here in Tasmania, more than $600,000 was available for community-based commemoration,” he said.

“I want to particularly acknowledge local RSL members for their assistance in applying for these funds and, in many cases, undertaking the work necessary.”

The Commonwealth Government is committed to ongoing support for veterans and their families.

This is testament to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael Ronaldson who oversees the Department of Veterans’ Affairs annual budget of around $12 billion, which includes more than $6 billion in financial assistance to veterans and more than $5 billion in health treatment costs.
Senator the Hon Stephen Parry President of the Senate Senator for Tasmania