Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Recently it was my privilege to attend the Cockscomb veterans' retreat at Cawarral near Yeppoon to mark two equally important occasions: Vietnam Veterans Day and the 50th anniversary since the Battle of Long Tan. In 1987, the then Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, declared Long Tan day on 18 August as Vietnam Veterans Day. However, he did not have that date gazetted as a military historic date. Fifty years on since the Battle of Long Tan, it is now time that the Commonwealth government got on with the job of officially gazetting the date. I have previously approached the relevant minister and will continue to maintain my support of Vietnam Vets, pushing for the gazetting of this day at their request.

To those who specifically served their country in the controversial Vietnam War, I turn to you with dignity and say: thank you. Finally, in the 50th anniversary year to mark Long Tan, let us reflect on those who did not make it back, or have since passed away. May they rest in peace.

Lest we forget.