Submission to the Australian War Memorial

Would you believe that undermining the memorial, undermines it? That having a sideshow peeking out from underneath it interferes with the groundedness of the existing monument. That digging a dirty big hole breaks the sightline from the lake to the mountain. That removing beautiful mature trees is a degradation that I will not live to see repaired. To approve this, NCA must be subject to institutional capture, packed with stooges more loyal to their patrons than their office.

A memorial is not a museum. This part of the development establishes the museum functions within the memorial and destroys its original purpose. These necessary functions should not be housed at the heart of Australia, we have other facilities elsewhere for them. Note, I am not speaking against the design or the architects. I am opposed to the fundamental purpose of this development.

I am appalled at the conversion of the Australian War Memorial from a place of somber reflection on the cost and sacrifices of war, to a museum showcasing and glorifying war. The sheer space and obscene cost of the new hall scream the glories of war. It is not a part of a memorial to display war machinery, we already have the facility in Mitchell for that totally different purpose. Instead, emotionally effective memorials are simple and modest. They call their visitors to quiet reflection. As Australia has its most disgraceful exit from its most disastrous war, as veterans burn their medals in disgust, as credible reports cast suspicion of our troops commiting war crimes, it is time to be modest and re-emphasise peace. Poor timing for the NCA to be supervising the destruction of the nations heart. It makes me sick to my soul.