Battle for Australia Commemoration
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I ask the Treasurer, representing the Premier, a question without notice. Is the Minister aware that this week our nation commemorates the three year Battle for Australia, which started on 23 January 1942—and that this week we remember particularly the Battle of Milne Bay and shortly the Kokoda Track—with the eventual Japanese capture of Australian territory at Rabaul, culminating in the Japanese surrender on 15 August 1945? What action has the New South Wales Government taken to commemorate the Battle for Australia and to encourage the residents of New South Wales to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and endurance of those Australians who defended our nation? Furthermore, what is the Government doing to educate children to appreciate, honour and learn from the heroism, sacrifice and service of those Australians who so courageously defended our nation and expelled the Japanese from Australian territory?
The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN: I thank Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes for his question, which I think is a very good one. I must admit that it had not occurred to me, but I will certainly take the matter up with the Premier. My colleague the Hon. Henry Tsang reminds me that yesterday he represented the Premier and the Government at a function at the Cenotaph. My colleague the Deputy Leader of the Government in this place also reminds me that the period and the events to which Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes referred are now part of the history syllabus for year 10 in our schools.
The Hon. John Ryan: They have been for some time.
The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN: I accept that. I think the question raised by the honourable member is a good one, and I will refer it to the Premier.
