23 April 2009
Media Statement

Time to detail National War Memorial plans

With ANZAC Day approaching it’s time for the Government to give a clear statement on whether it is committed to improving the National War Memorial, says Labour Veteran’s Affairs spokesman Rick Barker.

“Contrary to suggestions in the House by Mr Finlayson recently, Labour was committed to funding the enhancement of the National War Memorial.

“While Mr Finlayson is correct that no money had been put aside for this project, it was for the simple reason that the plans had not been finalised. It would be bad practice to set aside a sum of money for a project that had not been finalised, without knowing all the costs,” Rick Barker says.

“There is no doubt that Labour was committed to finishing the work at the memorial.

As ANZAC Day nears, Mr Finlayson should stop poking fingers and playing petty politics on the issue and give a clear statement on what National intends to do.

“Will National carry on the work started by Labour to complete the National War Memorial or will this be another project which will be quietly shelved?

“The future of the National War Memorial should be above partisan politics. Labour started the project, obtained the land and consulted on the proposals so it’s now time for National to pick up the baton and complete the work.

“Mr Finlayson what are your intentions? The veteran community and the public have a right to know.”

ENDS

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