Scroll down for the Minister’s response, or click here to discover more about how we’re working for Wendouree.

Original Adjournment Matter from Juliana Addison MP to Parliament –

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Veterans, and the action that I seek is for the minister to visit Ballarat to meet with representatives of veterans organisations in my community and visit significant memorials to the fallen and to those who have served in my electorate of Wendouree.

With Anzac Day approaching, it is timely to invite the Minister for Veterans to Ballarat. The region is home to 5000 veterans and a number of organisations who do great work supporting our veterans and their families, including the Ballarat RSL sub-branch, the Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre, the Legacy club of Ballarat, the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Ballarat sub-branch, the Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club, the Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Association of Victoria Ballarat branch, the trustees of the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial and others.

As a city, we are proud of our veterans and honour them with many memorials, statues and cenotaphs across our city and region. This is also evident in the large crowds that continue to grow at Anzac Day services each year.

The Arch of Victory, situated in Alfredton, is a prominent landmark and is significant for many reasons. The arch stands more than 16 metres tall and nearly 20 metres wide. It was constructed with more than 70,000 bricks, which were laid by local bricklayer George Brookes and his team in just three months in 1920.

The funds required to construct our grand archway did not come from a government, nor from a council, nor from a returned servicemen’s organisation; the money was raised by more than 500 women workers at the Eleanor Lucas lingerie factory. They were affectionately known as the Lucas girls and are held in the highest esteem for the extraordinary legacy they have left.

Located at the Arch of Victory is the Garden of the Grieving Mother. It is a very special place that pays tribute to the mothers and families of all Australian servicemen and women in all wars.

The Arch of Victory also marks the entrance to our 22-kilometre Avenue of Honour, which includes 3771 trees and a plaque recognising every Ballarat local who enlisted their services in World War I. Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour is Australia’s largest and longest avenue of honour.

I would also like to take the minister to the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial. The national memorial recognises all Australian prisoners of war and acknowledges the hardship, the deprivation, the brutality, the starvation and the disease endured during capture and the scars many continued to endure upon their return to Australia. It also is a place to reflect on the 8600 prisoners of war who lost their lives.

I look forward to welcoming the minister to Ballarat.

Response from the Hon Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Veterans (20 April 2023) –

I thank the Member for Wendouree for raising the matter of the veteran community in Ballarat. I acknowledge that the Member highlighted the positive and important work of veteran organisations within her electorate, which provide support not just to veterans, but also to their families and communities. I also note the high number of memorials in her electorate, which honour the sacrifice and service of local veterans.

The Victorian Government and Victorian communities acknowledge and commend the service and sacrifice from our veteran community. That is why the Andrews Labor Government is delivering on our Election Commitment pledged of $37 million to introduce the new Victorian Veterans Card by 1 July 2023. The new Veterans Card will recognise and thank Victorian veterans and their families for their profound contribution to our state and nation. The Card will be available to anyone currently living in Victoria who has served in the Australian Defence Force. This Card, which is a first of its kind in Australia, will provide all Victorian veterans with streamlined access to a range of benefits.

As you may be aware, on 22 March 2021, a motion passed in the Commonwealth House of Representatives to establish a Royal Commission in Veterans Suicide, which is currently underway. The joint Commonwealth-State Royal Commission is an important opportunity to make a real and lasting change in the way we support our veterans and their families. We are working openly and proactively with the Royal Commission, including sharing information about how we support veterans in Victoria. Our focus is ensuring that the Victorian veteran community gets the support it needs during the Royal Commission.

While the welfare of our returned service people is first and foremost the responsibility of the Federal Government, the Victorian Government is committed to supporting veterans and their families living in Victoria. Although many veterans successfully transition from the Australian Defence Force, I understand some experience challenges due to their service.

In 2022, the Victorian Government also provided $500,000 to deliver additional wellbeing support to the families and carers of veterans during the Royal Commission through Melbourne Legacy.

Anzac Day is an important opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on the service of all Australians who have served in conflict or on peacekeeping operations. This Anzac Day, veterans, their families and the general public will be able to attend the Anzac Day March and the commemorative services being held at the Shrine of Remembrance or in local communities across the state.

As the Minister for Veterans, I have the privilege of being invited to many Anzac services across our state, which reflect each community’s connection to the Anzac spirit and our rich history. I would be pleased to visit veterans’ organisations, veterans, and memorials in the Member’s electorate and to work with her office to arrange a suitable time.

 

Watch and read more of my speeches to Parliament here, including responses from ministers on how we’re working for Wendouree.

You can also view videos from Parliament, browse Hansard transcripts, learn about bills and legislation, and much more at the Parliament of Victoria’s website.