Leon Rebello (McPherson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I recently had the privilege of joining veterans, their families and our community at the Currumbin RSL to mark Victory in the Pacific Day. It was a moving ceremony, a moment to reflect on the end of the Second World War in the Pacific and on the courage of the Australians who stood in defence of our freedom. As always, I was struck by the quiet dignity of our veterans and reminded of the gratitude we owe them for the prosperity we enjoy today.

That is why what occurred in Mudgeeraba over the following weekend was so deeply disappointing. The war mural which depicts the Battle of Beersheba, one of Australia's defining victories in the First World War, was defaced with political graffiti. To vandalise a memorial of this kind is to dishonour the men of the Light Horse and all those who have worn our nation's uniform.

We live in a great democracy where every Australian has the freedom to voice their opinion, to peacefully protest and to be heard. But that right must never come at the expense of respect for those who have secured that very freedom. Disfiguring a war memorial is not political expression. It disrespects our history and dishonours our veterans. Our veterans deserve better. They deserve to be honoured, not desecrated. We must reaffirm the respect, gratitude and reverence that every Australian owes to those who fought for our freedom.

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