Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh backs frontier war artefacts decision

Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has backed a decision to include frontier war artefacts in the Australian War Memorial, arguing the move will ‘stand the test of time’.

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Picture: AAP

Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has backed a decision to include frontier war artefacts in the Australian War Memorial, arguing the move will “stand the test of time”.

The push comes after the AWM announced it would expand its recognition of the frontier wars fought between Aboriginal people and British colonialists as part of a wider $500m redevelopment project.

Mr Keogh on Thursday said it was a duty of all cultural institutions to “recognise and reflect” on the frontier wars as part of Australia’s history.

“It’s important that we do raise awareness across the country about the importance of frontier conflict and the impact that it had on our First Nations people and to properly reflect upon and understand our history,” Mr Keogh said.

“The recognition and reflection on frontier conflict is something that is a responsibility for all of our cultural institutions.”

The Australian understands the move was lead by AWM chair Brendan Nelson and director Matt Anderson who first raised a proposal to include frontier war artefacts during a planning meeting with the Minister to discuss the memorial’s redevelopment project.

During the meeting, Mr Keogh indicated he would not be opposed to the concept.

Mr Keogh on Thursday told The Australian that an expansion of the frontier war artefacts would build on what had already been recognised at the memorial.

The memorial is looking to expand its current collection of 63 frontier war art works, and increase the number of pieces on display.

“It’s important to recognise that the Australian War Memorial already has some recognition of frontier conflict and as part of the expansion program the memorial’s council has decided to include a greater reflection of this,” Mr Keogh said.

“I am comfortable with the council’s decision on this matter and believe that it is a decision that will stand the test of time.”

The move sparked condemnation from the Coalition and the veterans community this week who argue the AWM was built in sacred recognition of conflicts fought overseas when the nation was unified against opposing forces.

Returned and Services League of Australia’s Greg Melick urged the AWM to preserve the site’s exclusive focus on honouring the sacrifice of those who served in defence of the nation.

“The Australian War Memorial honours the sacrifice of those who have served our nation in armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and it is right and appropriate that this is exclusively maintained,” Mr Melick said.

Opposition veterans affairs spokesman Barnaby Joyce this week launched an attack on the move, arguing the frontier wars would be more appropriately remembered at a separate memorial.

Dr Nelson said the nation was changing and the memorial had a responsibility to stay relevant to a new generation.