Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Saturday, 14 November I had the great privilege of launching the 2016 Reserve Forces Day and representing the Prime Minister as well. The Reserve Forces Day parade aims to raise awareness of the vital work of Army, Navy and Air Force current and former reservists and thank partners, families and employers for their support. The inaugural Reserve Forces Day, and the parades, began with my support when I served as Minister for Defence Industry, Science and Personnel and I have continued to support it every year since. The event has grown significantly, with 15 cities throughout Australia conducting parades and celebrations in 2015.

The driving force is Lieutenant Colonel John Moore OAM RFD ED (Ret'd), National Executive Officer, and his very professional volunteers, together with the Hon. Tim Fischer AC, National Chairman, who took over from the inaugural Chairman, Sir Laurence Street. The launch was held at the Royal Automobile Club in Sydney with tri-service representatives and current serving and former reservists. Tim Fischer gave an excellent address on General Sir John Monash, highlighting his immeasurable contribution to the nation as a citizen-soldier and as an innovating and successful Lieutenant General during World War I, and advocated for his posthumous promotion to the rank of Field Marshal, a cause I have also advocated for in this place.

The launch of the 2016 theme is to commemorate the role of the three services in 1916 and the battles of the Western Front and the desert campaign. As we commemorate 100 years since the brutal and bloody conflict of the Western Front, we pay tribute to all who served.