Australia will have a Holocaust memorial in each state and territory after the Morrison Government committed $750,000 toward the establishment of a Holocaust museum in Darwin.
Acting Minister for Education and Youth Stuart Robert said the Holocaust was not just a crime committed against the Jewish people, but a crime against all of humanity that should never be forgotten.
‘It is vital we never forget the Holocaust and this investment will ensure we have dedicated spaces to remember those who lost their lives and reflect on the devastating impact of the Holocaust on the international Jewish community,’ Minister Robert said.
Mr Robert announced the funding as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to support Holocaust awareness in Australia.
The museum, to be located next to the Darwin Military Museum, will help improve understanding of the Holocaust through the context of Australia’s involvement in World War II.
‘The museum will join other Jewish and Holocaust museums around Australia in creating a deeper understanding of this dark period of world history and valuing the free society we have in Australia today,’ Minister Robert said.
A report released by the Gandel Foundation last week found that almost one-quarter of Australian adults have little to no knowledge of the Holocaust and more than 70 per cent are not aware of Australia’s connections to the Holocaust.
‘This report shows it is more important than ever that we invest in Holocaust education as a tribute to the victims and survivors and to ensure these atrocities are never forgotten and never repeated,’ Minister Robert said.
The project delivers on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s pledge at the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism to have Holocaust museums and education centres in all states and territories.
‘Since joining the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in 2019, the Government has also committed more than $12 million to a suite of school-focused initiatives, tackling all forms of discrimination, to build social cohesion within schools, including digital Holocaust education resources,’ Minister Robert said.
‘We remain committed to supporting facilities and education initiatives to increase knowledge and awareness of the Holocaust and its lasting impacts. I would like to thank the NT Government for their assistance in this important effort.’
Northern Territory Minister for Education Lauren Moss said the museum will be an important facility for Darwin.
‘It is important that our young people learn about the Holocaust, to help ensure these atrocities are never forgotten and never repeated.”
The memorial will be funded through the Community Development Grants program.
