Bill Shorten and Federal Labor have pledged $5 million to develop a multipurpose veterans’ hub in the new ANZAC House if they win office on May 18.
The commitment, welcomed by the McGowan Government, follows WA Premier Mark McGowan’s announcement last month of a $4.6 million Lotterywest grant to help build and fit-out a dedicated new hub to be known as Veterans’ Central.
Veterans’ Central is part of the redevelopment of ANZAC House and, when complete, will provide a one-stop shop for veterans, making it easier for servicemen and women and their families to access and engage with support services.
The Veterans’ Centre will also promote collaboration between ex-service organisations in Western Australia.
Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley met with Perth MHR Patrick Gorman and former State and Federal MP Graham Edwards – a Vietnam war veteran – to discuss progress of the ANZAC House development.
When complete, the planned seven-storey ANZAC House will include RSLWA office space, a club area for members, a function room and a café along with the new Veterans’ Central.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“ANZAC House was an iconic institution for many in Perth and I’m looking forward to seeing it up and running again once the new build is complete.
“So it is especially pleasing that Federal Labor has pledged $5 million in funding for this important facility.
“I understand Federal Labor has also made similar offers for other planned centres across the nation – including facilities in Darwin, Ipswich and Townsville.”
As stated by Veterans Issues Minister Peter Tinley:
“The RSLWA was established in 1916 to support war veterans and their families and it currently has about 10,000 Service and Affiliate Members in about 132 sub-branches across WA.
“The importance of providing facilities such as Veterans’ Central for our servicemen and women cannot be overestimated and it is fitting that funding to enable its construction transcends political differences.”
