Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Anzac Day is one of Australia's most important national occasions. It provides a very important formal opportunity to honour the more than 102,000 men and women who have given their lives for our nation. The Australian government's significant commemorative program reflects our commitment to acknowledging and commemorating the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served Australia and our allies in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Anzac Day is commemorated by Australians and New Zealanders across the globe. In fact, last year I was at the Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan, for a striking dawn service. The Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs organises or supports services in Turkey, France, Thailand, Malaysia and PNG. I'm also very pleased to note that next month we will open the Sir John Monash Centre in Villers-Bretonneux, the most significant infrastructure project of the Australian government's Anzac Centenary program.