Minister must immediately answer ANZAC “branding” concerns

06/01/12

Media reports this morning surrounding the Government’s expenditure of over $100,000 on focus testing of how to “brand” the Centenary of ANZAC has caused deep concern in some sections of the veterans’ community.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon must immediately explain how, when, where and why this money was spent.

The Prime Minister and the Minister must acknowledge the extreme sensitivities surrounding the word “ANZAC”, particularly for those who have served this country.

It is simply not good enough for a Department spokesperson to be explaining what has occurred, and the Minister himself must immediately answer veterans’ and the wider community’s concerns.

The Coalition strongly supports the Centenary of ANZAC Commemoration, and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has personally offered bipartisan support.

The Coalition believes that when the Government is planning the Centenary of ANZAC, it should use the highly successful ‘Australia Remembers’ program as the blueprint for these commemorations.