Tony Abbott appointed to AWM Council
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been appointed a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
FILE PHOTO (September 2019): Then Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks to fellow visitors to The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience travelling exhibition in Wodonga. Photo by David McCleneghan.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said Mr Abbott brought with him dedication, passion and knowledge in a period that would see the AWM upgraded to tell the stories of more recent conflicts.
“Mr Abbott’s extensive experience will ensure the stories from recent military conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and East Timor will be proudly told,” Mr Chester.
“The Australian government recently announced an investment of almost $500 million to be able to display more of the Australian War Memorial’s collection and I have no doubt Mr Abbott will be an asset to the Council during this period.
“As Prime Minister, Mr Abbott led the case to build the Sir John Monash Centre in Villers-Bretonneux to tell the stories and honour the thousands of fallen Australians who served in the First World War.
“I congratulate Mr Abbott on his appointment and am confident he will ensure we continue to record the stories of those who have served, in their words, and be able to share those stories to the more than one million visitors to the memorial each year.”
Mr Abbott has a long history and interest in supporting veterans and their families and has been appointed to the Council as a part-time member for a period of three years.
Since 1998, Mr Abbott has convened the annual Pollie Pedal charity bike ride, which has raised more than $5 million for medical research, indigenous health scholarships and Soldier On.
The Council of the Australian War Memorial is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs of the Memorial and the policy of the Memorial with respect to any matters determined by the Council.
More information about the Australian War Memorial and its Council can be found at www.awm.gov.au/about.
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