Iraq and Afghanistan veterans deserve war memorial, Chris Minns says

A “significant” memorial set up to honour soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan has been suggested by NSW Opposition leader Chris Minns.

State Labor leader Chris Minns has called for the establishment of a “significant” memorial to honour those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a subtle reference to controversy enveloping former Australian Army soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, Mr Minns said while each conflict had its own set of controversies, this did not lessen the strength of feeling and support that Australians had for those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq or ­Afghanistan.

“Across Australia memorials have been erected dedicated to remembering the sacrifice of Australian soldiers, nurses, personnel and those who have died in war, as well as the men and women who have served for our country,” he said.

“It is time that NSW has a significant memorial for the recent Middle East conflicts too.”

Opposition veterans affairs spokesman Greg Warren said while there were small plaques dedicated to Middle East service men and women dotted around the State, there was no single memorial in Sydney as with other conflicts.

Australian soldiers including Ben Roberts-Smith on tour in Afghanistan. Picture: Department of Defence

Chris Minns has suggested a memorial to be built for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Picture Supplied.

“It’s only fair and appropriate those who serviced in the Middle East be acknowledged like we do for all veterans,” he said.

It comes as NSW communities prepare to pay their respects to fallen diggers and honour veterans who served during Anzac Day on Monday.

Mr Minns and Mr Warren also reiterated their calls for federal government support for a national war cemetery in NSW.

The idea was put forward by Veterans Minister David Elliott late last year.

Mr Minns said it was time Australia had the equivalent of America’s Arlington National Cemetery.

Former commando and now lawyer Mick Bainbridge said memorials were not as common as they were in the past when councils often included them as part of new developments.