Speech in the ACT Legislative Assembly

30 June 2010

I rise tonight to commend former and serving reservists in the Australian forces. I have the utmost respect for the men and women who sacrifice so much in order that we might enjoy the freedoms we have in this country. On Saturday, I had the privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of the opposition at the Reserve Forces Day 2010 62nd anniversary commemorative ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Unfortunately, the ACT shadow minister
for veterans affairs, Jeremy Hanson CSC, MLA, and the Leader of the Opposition, Zed Seselja MLA, were unable to attend.

At the service we were welcomed by Colonel Joe Johnson, CSC, AAM, RFD, ED (Retired) and heard a message from the Prime Minister read out by Senator Lundy. Senator Gary Humphries was also present. A prayer was read by Pastor Wayne Lyons of the National Servicemen’s Association, and Sergeant Nigel Webster of the 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, addressed the service.

Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO, RAN (Retired), National President of the Returned and Services League Australia, gave the commemorative address. I congratulate him on the work he does and wish him, the National Secretary, Derek Robson AM, and the rest of the national executive well for the upcoming national congress in Dubbo, New South Wales.

I would also like to thank the band of the Royal Military College of Australia, the Australian Rugby Choir, the tri-service flag party and Lance Piper Geoff See from the Australian Federal Police Canberra City Pipes and Drums.

The service was an opportunity to thank, commemorate and celebrate the commitment of so many fine men and women that have served in the reserves. Like previous years, 2010 will see parades taking place at many locations across the country, including in each state and territory capital and many regional centres.

This year it will be just over 60 years since the part-time forces were re-formed after World War II. In those 60 years reservists have been volunteering to serve overseas, from the early United Nations missions in Korea to the current overseas operations.

The Reserve Forces Day Council will give special recognition this year to those members who, when as reservists, volunteered to serve overseas in operations or humanitarian missions and who have been awarded a medal for that service. The stated purpose of the council is:

The objective of the Reserve Forces Day is to raise the profile of the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserve, to recognise former and serving Reservists (including those who served in the Citizen’s Military Forces, and Citizen’s Air Force) and to thank partners and employers for their support.

Reserve Forces Day is celebrated across Australia and is the annual recognition for serving and former members, 1.25M Australians who have served in the nation’s Reserve Forces. These public parades would not be possible without the wonderful support of our sponsors.

I would also like to recognise the many employers that support reservists and their decision to serve our country.

This coming Sunday, the parade in Sydney at the Domain will be reviewed by Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM, AE. In particular, I wish any Canberrans travelling up to Sydney to take part in the parade well for their journey. Anyone interested in serving the reserves should call 131901 or visit www.defencejobs.gov.au.

Again, I thank all those Canberrans who have served and continue to serve in the reserves.