Labor Waste

Media Release -Senator Michael Ronaldson

The Australian War Memorial Council discussed closing the Memorial one day a week to meet the cost of Labor’s reckless spending.

In Senate Estimates on Tuesday night, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson, confirmed with the War Memorial’s Director that consideration was given, although not ultimately actioned, to close the Memorial one day per week because of Labor Government funding cuts.

“I am appalled that Labor’s reckless spending is to be paid for by the Australian War Memorial”, Senator Ronaldson said.

“After wasting billions of dollars on pink batts and school halls, Labor expects important and iconic institutions such as the Australian War Memorial to pay the price for their reckless spending.

“Labor’s track record on War Memorial funding is already pretty ordinary, with revelations last year that the solemn ‘Last Post’ ceremony would have to be funded by a corporate sponsor following Labor Government funding cuts.

“As Australia prepares to commemorate the important centenary milestones of the Great War, including the landing at Gallipoli, surely now is not the time to cut funding.

Senator Ronaldson said capital works at the Memorial, including a refit of World War 1 and 2 galleries in time for the Centenary, were now under real doubt.

“Australians expect that our unique War Memorial is appropriately resourced by government. All Australians should expect no less that a well-maintained, staffed and resourced facility to commemorate the tens of thousands of Australians who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“It seems Labor only wants us to remember them six days a week.

“After Labor wastes billions on pink batts and school halls, it’s the Australian War Memorial which has to pay the price.

“I call on the new Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to find the time amongst his other duties to reverse his government’s decision to slash funding to the Australian War Memorial.

Source: Labor’s reckless spending could close Australian War Memorial one day a week – Liberal Party of Australia.

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