Greg Warren MPState Government Offers No Funds, Resources Or Support for Veterans this ANZAC DAY
NSW Labor has condemned Minister for Veterans, Geoff Lee, for failing
veterans and the wider community this Anzac Day
Appearing in budget estimates today, the Minister confirmed that he had not
offered any additional funding or resources to RSL Sub Branches to help them
comply with COVID-19 safe practices this Anzac Day while hosting marches
and services
Within Greater Sydney up to 500 people can attend an event if assigned a
seating area and up to 2,000 people can attend if they are assigned to a
specific seat.
Outside of Greater Sydney up to 3,000 people can attend an event if they are
assigned to a seating area and up to 5,000 people can attend if they are
assigned to a specific seat.
Asked by Shaoquett Moselmane MLC if there was any specific funding to help
RSL Sub Branches comply with COVID-19 safe practices, Minister Lee said
“not to my knowledge”.
Mr Moselmane said the Minister and his government had left RSL Sub
Branches around the state “in the lurch”.
Shadow Minister for Veterans Greg Warren said he was appalled by the
Minister’s treatment of current and former Defence Forces personnel.
“The Minister’s message for veterans today was crystal clear. This Government
will not offer you funding or support to help preserve and honour the memory of
those men and women who bravely served our nation,” Mr Warren said.
“Where are RSL Sub Branches meant to find the extra funds to comply with the
COVID-19 restrictions? How are RSL Sub Branches meant to enforce COVID-19
safety measures?
“How does the Minister expect RSL Sub Branch members – many who are
elderly and have mobility issues – to set up and pack away 5000 chairs?
“The Minister unashamedly admitted that the budget for the Office of Veterans
Affairs was ‘not huge’, but if this Government genuinely cared about veterans
they would find the money to make this work
“To claim that Anzac Day is ‘arguably the most important day in the nation’s
history’ but refuse to help fund or support those hosting services and marches,
is simply paying lip-service to our state’s veterans.”
Unfortunately, Minister Lee forgot what day Anzac Day was held on, incorrectly
stating it was on March 25, instead of April 25.