The Albanese Government will recommend the Governor-General appoint the Hon Kim Beazley AC as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
Mr Beazley is a recipient of Australia’s highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for service to the Parliament of Australia, but his influence extends well beyond that, serving the Australian public for decades.
Mr Beazley is known for his contributions to the development of government policies in the field of defence and international relations, as an advocate for Indigenous people, and to the community. He is a well-respected diplomat and former WA Governor.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, said Mr Beazley was one of the longest serving Defence Ministers of this nation, with a lifelong passion for military matters.
Speaking on ANZAC Day in Perth this year, Mr Beazley remembered the year of living dangerously; “it is vitally important that we keep alive the memory of the price that was paid for that freedom… Here in the beauty and tranquillity of Perth, the horrors of 80 years ago can seem far away and long ago. It is precisely for this reason that we must remember”.
“It’s that same sprit Kim will bring to our nation’s most sacred memorial, intent on making sure Defence members, veterans and those who made the supreme sacrifice are properly and honourably remembered,” Minister Keogh said.
Minister Keogh said during Mr Beazley’s term as Defence Minister, he was responsible for the establishment of the Royal Australian Navy’s submarine program and he’s continued to work closely with the veteran community as the Patron of RSL WA.
“I congratulate Mr Beazley on his appointment.”
Mr Beazley will fill the part time vacancy left by the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson AO for a period of three years.
Dr Nelson will conclude his position at the Australian War Memorial on 30 November 2022.
