Australian War Memorial grant wards off veterans' attack

Australian War Memorial grant wards off veterans' attack

• Phillip Hudson
• From: Herald Sun
• March 04, 2011 12:00AM

JULIA Gillard :p unveiled a cash grant for the Australian War Memorial just hours before the planned launch of a campaign backed by veterans.

The Prime Minister said the memorial would get $8 million more a year.
Last year, her Government rejected a request for an extra $5 million.
Ms Gillard also promised $1.7 million to redevelop the memorial's World War I galleries. The Coalition had promised $25 million.
The snap announcement caught the memorial by surprise and came as Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and veterans planned to launch a petition for more money.
Confidential advice to the Government, reported by the Herald Sun earlier this year, revealed the memorial was facing "crippling financial circumstances" as it geared up to commemorate the centenary of the Anzac landing.
Documents released under Freedom of Information also showed the memorial's chairman, General Peter Cosgrove, told the Government it needed $5 million so it would not have to consider options such as cutting staff or introducing entry and parking fees.
He warned the cash crisis could mean the memorial would be "unable to make the contribution expected by Government and the nation" for World War I centenary events.
Ms Gillard, who described the memorial as "Australia's pre-eminent temple of honour", said the extra cash would be indexed and would support its operations on top of its $38 million-a-year funding.
"The Gillard Government is investing in the future of the memorial so it can continue to deliver its core activities and, importantly, prepare for the centenary of the Anzac landings and other important military anniversaries," she said.
Opposition spokesman Michael Ronaldson said the PM had "capitulated to widespread community anger". He said: "The Government has been dragged kicking and screaming into providing additional resources for the Australian War Memorial."

Prime Minister announces $8m to restore Australian War Memorial | The Australian

 

Well I suppose it is a start, but will it go far and be used properly?

regards

Robert