Media release from the Minister (text below) announces that Dr Brendan Nelson, former Director of the Australian War Memorial, former Minister for Defence, and big wheel at Boeing, world’s second largest manufacturer of weapons of war, has been appointed to the Council of the Memorial.
Nelson replaces Kerry Stokes, who is standing down (resigning). His term was due to end in June. There has been controversy over Mr Stokes’ financial and moral support for SAS veteran, Ben Roberts-Smith.
No word yet as to who will be the new Chair; that is a matter for the Council.
SMH story a bit more perceptive than the one in the Canberra Times.
Brief mention in Senate Estimates (from about 15.40) from Acting Director of the Memorial, Brian Dawson (Director Anderson on work trip to London), that Stokes resigned rather than completing his current term and that the Memorial Council will be meeting in a couple of days to elect a new Chair. Mr Dawson was not clear whether Mr Anderson would be back in Australia for the meeting.
Letters to the editor, Canberra Times, from Sue Wareham of the Medical Association for Prevention of War and Professor Peter Stanley of Heritage Guardians.
5 April 2022 updated
The Hon Andrew Gee MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Federal Member for Calare
MEDIA RELEASE
05 April 2022
DR BRENDAN NELSON AO APPOINTED TO AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL COUNCIL
Dr Brendan Nelson AO has been appointed as a member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
Dr Nelson fills the Council position vacated by outgoing member Mr Kerry Stokes AC, who is standing down after 15 years of exceptional and dedicated service, including as Chairman for more than six years.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said Dr Nelson’s appointment would allow him to continue to serve the Australian War Memorial through its historic redevelopment.
“In the seven years Dr Nelson was Director of the Australian War Memorial he worked tirelessly to ensure it remained at the forefront of our nation’s story of service and sacrifice,” Minister Gee said.
“He built a legacy of innovation and inclusion in his time as Director, overseeing the centenary of the First World War and the major refurbishment of the galleries which record our involvement in that conflict.
“While serving as Australia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO, he witnessed the daily Last Post ceremonies at the Menin Gate in Ypres, and the impact this moving act of remembrance had on the community.
“It is thanks to his guidance, that we now have a daily Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, which gives all Australians the opportunity to remember and honour the sacrifice of the more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in service.
“His long history of service to the Australian people as a medical practitioner, member of the Australian Parliament, diplomat and business leader will also bring a wealth of experience to the Council.
“Dr Nelson served as the Minister for Defence during ADF deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands, ensuring a special understanding of the stories that will be told through the Memorial’s redevelopment.
“His business acumen, as president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, will also prove invaluable.
“Our War Memorial is sacred to Australians as a place of solemn reflection and pride in our nation’s history of service. Generations of Australians have a special connection and bond to it through their own story of service and sacrifice or that of their family. I am very pleased Dr Nelson will again bring his passion and energy to it.”
Minister Gee also thanked outgoing Chair of the Council Mr Kerry Stokes AC for his outstanding dedication to the Australian War Memorial, the culmination of which is evident in the delivery of the $500 million expansion of the Memorial.
“Mr Stokes has served on the Council of the Australian War Memorial for the last 15 years, and as Chair since 2015, playing a critical role in maintaining and developing the nationally significant institution,” Minister Gee said.
“On behalf of all Australians, I thank Mr Stokes for his passion, leadership and vision, as demonstrated by his induction as a Fellow of the Australian War Memorial in November 2015.
“Since inception Mr Stokes has overseen the commencement of the building works for the expansion of the memorial’s exhibition spaces. He has also been a major benefactor to the Memorial over many years and his passion and respect for the sacrifices made by our service men and women has been evident in the many hours he has devoted to his role as chairman.”
During his tenure Mr Stokes has had many achievements, including sponsoring the 95th Gallipoli anniversary touring exhibition, This company of brave men: the Gallipoli VCs, and donating several significant medals, including nine Victoria Cross medal groups and two George Cross medal groups.
He also donated to the Memorial an extremely valuable collection of First World War glass plate negatives from the Thuillier estate in July 2011.
Mr Stokes said “I have enjoyed every moment in working with the dedicated staff and council of the Memorial over the last 15 years and will continue to follow closely the progress of construction to expand the facility in Canberra over the next few years.
“The Memorial holds a special place in every Australian’s heart and I am proud to have played a role in its development. I am sure Brendan will again make an important contribution in his new role”, he added.
“I want to thank both Mr Stokes and Dr Nelson for their contribution to the Australian War Memorial and our nation more broadly. I wish them both all the best for the future,” Minister Gee said.
The Council of the Australian War Memorial will decide who will replace Mr Stokes as Chairman.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister Gee office: 0459 966 944
DVA Media: 02 6289 6466
Office of the Hon. Andrew Gee, Canberra ACT.
Biography
Dr Brendan Nelson has served the Australian public for more than three decades, working as a medical practitioner from 1985-1995 and serving as the youngest-ever National President of the Australian Medical Association from 1993 to 1995.
After entering politics and being elected as the Member for Bradfield 1996, he spent more than 13 years as a Member of the House of Representatives, serving as the Minister for Defence, Minister for Education, Science and Training, and as the Leader of the Opposition.
In 2009 Dr Nelson was appointed as the Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO, and in 2012 was appointed as the Director of the Australian War Memorial.
In 2016 Dr Nelson was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to the community, the parliament of Australia, diplomacy and cultural leadership.
Dr Nelson holds an honorary lifetime membership of the RSL, honorary citizenship of the Belgian city of Ypres in Flanders, and three honorary doctorates from the Australian National University, the University of South Australia and Flinders University of South Australia.
