Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was my pleasure on Tuesday evening, along with my colleague and friend the member for Mitchell, to host members of the New South Wales Boer War Memorial Association in the parliament. I proudly wear the association's tie today in recognition of their efforts. The New South Wales Association alone raised over $400,000 towards the Boer War Memorial. I want to acknowledge in particular Lieutenant Colonel David Deasey, the chairman of the association; and Jilly Warren, Ralph Warren and Brian Walters, who are my constituents. People from all over New South Wales, some of whom were descendants of veterans of that war and some who were just interested Australians, put forward money to build this memorial and complete the set of memorials on Anzac Parade. Yesterday, 115 years after the close of the Boer War, Australia's own National Boer War Memorial was officially dedicated by his Excellency the Governor-General. Prime Minister John Howard indicated his support for the project in 2005 and a site was dedicated on 31 May 2008. I also acknowledge the efforts of the member for Ryan in bringing about the Boer War Memorial.

The Boer War of 1899 to 1902 was the first major war in which Australia fought as a nation. Figures differ, but around 23,000 troops, including 80 Australian women, served in that war. There were 43,000 Australian bred Waler horses that went to South Africa and six Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross. It is wonderful to see this chapter of our history completed on our national road of memorials.