THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

THE HON BARNABY JOYCE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

RICK WILSON MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

STATEMENT
RECOGNISING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ALBANY’S NATIONAL ANZAC CENTRE

Thursday 24 April 2025

In 1914, more than 40,000 Australians and New Zealanders departed Albany, in Western Australia’s south, for World War I, in what is now regarded the birthplace of the ANZAC story.

This story is honoured in Albany’s National Anzac Centre which has welcomed more than half a million visitors since it’s opening in 2014.

Owned and operated by the City of Albany, the National Anzac Centre plays a key role in the preservation and education of one of Australia’s greatest stories.

That’s why, with support of the City of Albany, a Dutton Coalition Government will move to transition this asset to Commonwealth management, in acknowledgement of its national significance.

In addition, the National Anzac Centre will receive $6 million in funding over the forward estimates to allow free access for visitors and ensure the facility’s ongoing maintenance and viability.

The Coalition understands the importance of honouring our ANZAC legend and educating future generations on Australia’s history, and the transition of the National Anzac Centre into Commonwealth management will allow the Centre to continue this work.

This commitment is just one way a Dutton Coalition Government will recognise Australian veterans and their families, and honour those that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Defence, Defence Industry, Defence Personnel, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP:

“Many kids from Western Australia don’t have the opportunity to make the trip across to Canberra and learn about our ANZACs at the Australian War Memorial. By transitioning the ANZAC Centre into Commonwealth management, we will bring some of that experience to our kids in Western Australia.”

“Albany is special geography in our ANZAC story. Along with Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux, it is an important place for Australians. It is right and proper that we elevate it under the management of the Commonwealth.”

“For Australians planning a trip to Gallipoli and the Western Front, we want to encourage them to begin their journey at Albany, as the ANZACs did in 1914. We are proud of our heritage in Western Australia and want all Australians to share in it with us.”

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP:

“As a grandson of one of those Gallipoli veterans whose last view of Australia was Albany, it is one of the sacred locations of those families who have served our nation.”

Comments attributable to Federal Member for O’Connor, Rick Wilson MP:

“Albany has a rich and proud ANZAC history and one that we should continue to recognise and respect.”

“This commitment by a Dutton Coalition Government will allow families and visitors to access the centre for free.”

“This is a great opportunity for both local, national and international schools and tourists to learn more about the ANZAC’s and Albany’s proud history within it.”

“This is a fantastic initiative, and I am proud to support this commitment as the Federal Member for O’Connor and a proud Albany person and Australian.”

[ENDS]