STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (15:12): Later this afternoon, parliament will adjourn to allow members of the House of Representatives to attend the opening of the Anzac Hall and Anzac Atrium in the Australian War Memorial. The adjournment is a significant step that befits an important moment in the life of our nation, one that honours a central part of the spirit on which our nation is built.

The Anzac Hall and atrium enhance the institution of which they are now part. They are an act of profound respect from our nation to all who have served in our name and all who serve now. At the opening of the Australian War Memorial in 1941, Prime Minister Curtin said it would bring our nation closer to the meaning of Australian courage, sacrifice and faith.

Even as the decades between us and so many of those conflicts grow and multiply, the Australian War Memorial keeps us close to that meaning. What we are opening this evening will keep us even closer. Lest we forget.