Barnaby Joyce on ANZAC protesters, respect and legacy at ANZAC memorial service

Nationals MP and guest speaker Barnaby Joyce at the Surfers Paradise ANZAC memorial service on respect, legacy and ANZAC protesters. Read his stirring speech to Gold Coasters.

Outspoken Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has warned protesters to “stay away from our day” at the Surfers Paradise Anzac Day midday service.

“There are people today who have tried to - and I quote - dismantle Anzac Day. Dismantle the sacrifice, dismantle the suffering.

“I commend you that you’ve come out today, that you’ve been here and made that statement that this day is central to you,” he told those gathered in Surfers Paradise.

“There are those who try to hijack today, to get their name in lights for their own particular discord and parochial cause.

“This is Australia’s day. This is our day. It’s a solemn commemoration day. Don’t use our day because if you do, you’re contemptible and whatever your issue is, I never want to hear about it again.

Opposition spokesman for Veterans Affairs Barnaby Joyce at the midday memorial service at Surfers Paradise Memorial. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Now is your time to say enough. This is your time to respect what has been given to you. “The only reason you have those rights is because people from my family, from my state, from my city have served our nation. You have other days where you can protest. You stay away from our day,” he said.

Reflecting on Anzac Day’s significance for his family, Mr Joyce - a former Deputy Prime Minister in the previous Morrison Government - recalled three generations of family serving in the Australian Army.

“When I was in Queensland, I served in 25 RQR (Royal Queensland Regiment), in 42 RQR and 25/49 [RQR], my father served as well, he was medically discharged after he got smashed up.

“My grandfather arrived in Gallipoli on the first day, left on the last, went to the Western Front, served there, got a DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal) for bravery under fire. (He) finished his service in Guadalcanal up against the Japanese so two world wars,” he said.

My Joyce commented on the evolution of the public holiday, saying: “In the past, Anzac Day was overwhelmingly ex servicemen but now it’s evolved, now it’s about families,

“The day is so much larger and it’s about the families and also reflecting on this families who sacrificed so much so that we can have the freedoms, the liberty, the democracy that we enjoy here on the Gold Coast,” he said.

Opposition spokesman for Veterans Affairs Barnaby Joyce at the midday memorial service at Surfers Paradise Memorial. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Joyce expressed his respect for the calibre of ANZAC services across the country, having flown to the Gold Coast after attending The Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Anzac Day morning.

“It was precise. The cadence was exact. It was sombre. It moved people as it should and the great pride you have in thousands and thousands of Australians coming out in the dark to The Dawn Service, not to be seen... to commemorate.

“To come out because they respect what has been offered to them and what has been done on their behalf.

“It is one of the most powerful times as a politician where you look around and say this is a great nation,” he said.

Mr Joyce encouraged people to “live life to the full” and spend time with family on Anzac Day to honour the sacrifices made by ”our families for this country”.

“Today, make sure you go to the beach and enjoy, have a barbecue, enjoy your family, today if you want to go to the pub.

“Because it’s been paid for. It’s been paid for with blood, it’s been paid for with suffering.

“Spend this time with a bit of contemplation about just what this nation is and about just how it’s paid for and never, ever forget.” he said.

midday memorial service at Surfers Paradise Memorial. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Division 10 Councillor Darren Taylor was awarded certificate of appreciation from the Surfers Paradise RSL for his financial contributions to the club in recent years.

“It’s important that no matter what we do as a city, and we’re known as a festival and a city of entertainment.

“Anyone that’s been out there and risked their lives for us is a special part of our community and I always respect that.” Councillor Taylor said.