The appointment of three new members to the Australian War Memorial Council has brought renewed calls for the institution to recognise the Australian Frontier Wars.
On Friday, Minister for Veteran Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keough announced the appointment of the three new council members.
Amongst the appointments is Ms Lorraine Hatton OAM, a Quandamooka Elder and distinguished Australian Army veteran, recognised as a pioneer for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous servicewomen.
The council is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs and policy of the Memorial, including the nature of its displays and exhibits, maintaining the Commemorative Area as well as undertaking a major expansion project.
Professor Peter Stanley, President of the Defending Country Memorial Project welcomed the appointments as an opportunity for the council to work towards recognising the Frontier Wars.
"Every Australian will wish these new Council members well," he said.
"They have expertise in and commitment to the welfare of recent service men and women.
The Defending Country Memorial Project is a collective of Australians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous whose primary objective is to ensure "that the Australian War Memorial properly recognises and commemorates the Australian Frontier Wars."
"The new members can also assist Council Chair, Hon. Kim Beazley, in ensuring that the Memorial properly recognises and commemorates the Australian Frontier Wars," said Prof. Stanley.
"When he first became Chair, Mr Beazley made many statements supporting a change of direction at the Memorial toward proper recognition of frontier conflict.
"Truth-telling about our history is an important part of reconciliation between Australia’s peoples. The War Memorial can be a powerful institution for Truth-telling."
The new Council members were selected by the Minister following a call in March for Expressions of Interest. They are appointed by the Governor-General under section 10 (2) of the Australian War Memorial Act.
All three representatives will serve on the council for a period of three years with Ms Hatton and Mr Snowdon commencing their position from 1 July 2024 and Dr Bird commencing on 25 October 2024.
The council also consists of members Glenn Keys and Susan Neuhaus who were reappointed, along with RSL President, Major General Greg Melick, and heads of the army, navy and airforce (all ex officio), Daniel Keighran VC, Sharon Bown and former prime minister, Tony Abbott.
"Greg Melick’s reappointment is rather surprising," Professor Stanley said, "given that he is on record as opposing commemoration of the Frontier Wars at the Memorial."
READ MORE
What are the Frontier Wars?
