House debates Adjournment

Kapooka Tragedy

Tuesday, 31 May 2011 House of Representatives

Michael McCormack

Michael McCormack Riverina, National Party

10:29 pm

In 1945 Australia suffered its worst military training accident. An explosion at Wagga Wagga's Kapooka Army Base killed 26 brave men. For many years this event was considered a 'forgotten tragedy', but now a memorial near the site of the explosion ensures families, the military and members of the public can pass by and remember what happened on that fateful day of 21 May 1945. The current commandant, Colonel David Hay, has vowed that each year the memory of these soldiers will be honoured with a special service at the memorial site at 2.30 pm, the time of the explosion.

Debate interrupted.

House adjourned at 22:30