Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

This week leading up to Remembrance Day has been a significant one for our veterans and our serving men and women. I have spoken about my recent trip as part of the ADF Parliamentary Program and the pride we can all take in the professionalism of our Defence Force and also the Defence civilian men and women who are serving in the Middle East. I have spoken about the meaning of Remembrance Day, of it being a time to think of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of this great nation. On Friday we will remember the fallen, their families and those left behind. On Friday, Remembrance Day, I will attend a farewell parade for 1st Brigade in Darwin. They are on their way to the Middle East, and our thoughts and prayers go with them.

This week, after 50 years, we saw some veterans of the Vietnam War finally honoured. I spoke with a well-known Territorian, Frank Alcorta, who has received the Star of Gallantry after 50 years. He asked how veterans in the Northern Territory were going. Unfortunately, Territory veterans are not represented by the Department of Veterans' Affairs in the way they should be. I have continually asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to do something about that. He has not even had the decency to respond to the letters from the RSL— (Time expired)

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