Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

Thousands of Australian trekkers do the 96-kilometre trek every year. In this 75th anniversary year, many more trekkers are expected to visit and to commemorate this important campaign. By keeping the track safe and open, we are able to also help protect the region's heritage values. In so doing, we are honouring the memory of the 650 men and boys who lost their lives on the track, but we are also honouring the camaraderie and the friendship that exists between our two countries. They came to our aid when we needed them most, and so it is only fitting that, at this time, we honour that shared history and the common bonds that bind our two countries together. The Kokoda Initiative ensures that this place of national significance will be preserved for years to come.