Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
VA059
Thursday, 9 July 2009
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL COUNCIL APPOINTMENT
The Minister for Veterans Affairs, Alan Griffin, today announced the appointment of Professor
the Hon Kim Beazley AC to the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
The Council plays an important role overseeing the War Memorials ongoing work as the
nations major institution honouring those who served, Mr Griffin said.
Professor Beazleys lifetime interest in the military and previous service as Minister for Defence
will bring a valuable perspective to the Council.
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia,
approved Professor Beazleys appointment to the Council as a part-time member for a three-
year term.
After leaving politics, Professor Beazley turned to academia. He is the Chancellor of the
Australian National University and has been Professorial Fellow in the Department of Political
Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia since 2007.
Professor Beazleys strong affinity with Australias military history and his distinguished 27 year
career in politics will provide the Council with additional experience to continue its important
role, Mr Griffin said.
Professor Beazleys unique set of skills will continue to build the Australian War Memorial's
position as a significant national monument that commemorates the sacrifice of those
Australians who have died in war.
The Australian War Memorials mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and
understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.
The Australian War Memorial Council comprises up to ten part-time members, and the Chief of
Army, the Chief of Navy, the Chief of Air Force as ex-officio members. As part of the continuing
legacy of commemorating Australias wartime service, the Council is responsible for the
strategic direction of the Australian War Memorial.
Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109
The VVCS Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
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