The Hon Andrew Gee MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel Federal Member for Calare

22 September 2021

MEDIA STATEMENT – SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE

Today’s protest at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance was disgraceful and those who participated in it are to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

They should be ashamed of themselves.

The Shrine of Remembrance is one of our country’s most significant memorials and holy places.

That the Shrine is sacred was made clear to all Australians by Sir John Monash, who ensured that the inscription on the west wall declares that it is “HOLY GROUND”.

It is a place of solemnity and quiet reflection. To use it as a protest site violates this sanctity and denigrates and disrespects the memory of those who have served and sacrificed so much for our nation.

There can be no justification for this outrage. Those who organised and attended the protest at the Shrine of Remembrance should acknowledge the hurt that their actions have caused and apologise to all Australians.

I hope we never live to see a repeat of it.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Minister Gee’s office: 0459 966 944

DVA Media: 02 6289 6466

Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling provides free and confidential support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families. Help is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 (international: +61 1800 011 046 or +61 8 8241 4546) or visit www.OpenArms.gov.au