Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA003
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
GOVT COMMITTED TO COMMEMORATING WESTERN FRONT SACRIFICE
The Australian Government is committed to finding the best way to commemorate and highlight
the service and sacrifice of Australians on the Western Front, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs,
Alan Griffin, said today.
“The story of the Australians on the Western Front is not as well-known as it should be, but I am
pleased to see this is changing,” Mr Griffin said.
“Last year the Prime Minister announced that the one-off Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-
Bretonneux would become an annual event.
“I am also currently investigating options to raise awareness of the sacrifice and achievements
of Australians on the Western Front.
“The previous Government announced plans to build an Interpretive Centre outside
Villers-Bretonneux at an estimated cost of $35 million. While they funded initial work on this
project, they failed to provide funding for the Centre itself.
“I have concerns about the cost and scale of that proposal, particularly when it is compared to
the more modest centres established by other countries in the area.
“My focus is on telling the story of Australians across the Western Front, not the construction of
a costly building in a single location.
“I am assessing all our options to ensure we most appropriately honour the courage and
sacrifice of those Australians who served on the Western Front.
“I want to ensure we spend our money wisely and effectively.
“I expect to be able to announce further details later this year,” Mr Griffin said.
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 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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