Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA078
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
REMEMBER WHEN AUSTRALIA FACED ITS GRAVEST THREAT
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today marked Battle for Australia Day and
encouraged Australians to reflect on the period in our wartime history when the enemy arrived
on Australia’s doorstep.
“Today is an opportunity for all Australians to honour the efforts of those who served our country
during the Second World War, on the frontline and the home front, at a time when our country’s
safety and freedom were threatened,” Mr Griffin said.
Australia faced direct threat from Japanese forces from 1942 to 1943. Darwin experienced
more than 60 attacks and Sydney Harbour was raided by midget submarines. Townsville,
Katherine, Wyndham, Derby, Broome and Port Hedland were among those towns that also
experienced Japanese air raids. The Australian Territory of Papua was invaded by the
Japanese and parts of it were occupied for six months.
“The mood of the nation at this time may never be truly understood by our generation, but we
know that the men and women in our armed forces, as well as civilians, were fighting for their
nation’s survival,” Mr Griffin said.
In Europe for commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the start of the Second World
War, Mr Griffin laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in London to mark Battle for
Australia Day and announced that long-awaited repairs at the memorial had been completed.
“I have inspected the repairs on the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park in London and am
advised that we have fixed the problems which have plagued the memorial in recent years,” Mr
Griffin said.
“I encourage all Australians travelling to London to visit our memorial and pay tribute to the
service and sacrifice of the men and women who served us in both World Wars.”
Etched into the walls of the memorial are the names of the 23,844 Australian towns who gave
their sons and daughters to these conflicts and 47 of the battles they fought.
Information on Australia’s involvement in the Second World War can be found at
ww2australia.gov.au. An interactive display of the Australian War Memorial London, can be
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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NEWS 
