Brendan Nelson to leave Australian War Memorial

Search is on to replace Brendan Nelson, who is stepping down as Australian War Memorial boss.

Brendan Nelson at the Australian War Memorial.

The Morrison government will kickstart a nationwide search for a new head of the Australian War Memorial, after former Liberal Party leader Brendan Nelson announced his decision to step down.

The former opposition leader and Australian Medical Association president has has led a nearly $500m refurbishment of the Canberra icon and been a vocal advocate for the War Memorial during his tenure.

He will leave the role of AWM director at the end of the year when his term is up. A recruitment process will start in coming weeks to find a replacement.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is due to join the War Memorial’s council, but it is understood he will not be named as Dr Nelson’s successor. Mr Abbott’s office confirmed to The Australian that he is not in the running for the War Memorial directorship.

Not since Charles Bean, I suspect, have our war dead had such an assiduous keeper of the flame. Very well done indeed, Brendan Nelson, on an outstanding tenure as @AWMemorial Director.

— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) August 15, 2019

“Tony may be joining the Council,” Dr Nelson told The Australian. “Completely different role of course from director.”

“I will issue a release later this morning.”

Veterans’ Minister Darren Chester today congratulated Dr Nelson on his tenure.

“Brendan has provided leadership to the Memorial that has made it world-renowned, including

managing its extensive upgrades and overseeing the Centenary of Anzac program,” Mr Chester said.

“Having previously served as Minister for Defence, Brendan’s passion for telling the stories of service and sacrifice of current and former Australian Defence Force personnel of more recent conflicts has been extraordinary.

“Under his guidance, the Memorial has also led a range of exhibitions, displays, memorials and documentaries of our First World War, Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and more recently, the commemorations of the Centenary of the First World War, including the poignant display of 62,000 knitted Poppies.”

“However, his most important achievement is the solemn and respectful Last Post Ceremony held at the Memorial each night. It was Brendan’s vision to have this brought to the Memorial, which is inspired by the daily ceremony held at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, Belgium.

“I commend Brendan on his passion and commitment to commemorating the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served our nation. His enthusiasm and leadership will be missed and I wish him all the best for the future.”

AWM chairman Kerry Stokes also thanked Dr Nelson for his service and said his legacy would be his work telling the stories of Australia’s modern-day veterans.

“Working closely with the Memorial’s Council and building on the work of his predecessors, Brendan has brought our nation’s history to life, emphasised the commemorative and healing role of the Memorial and most importantly, made it a place of immense meaning for young servicemen, women, veterans and their families,” Mr Stokes said.

“The generational investment by the Morrison government to grow the Memorial and allow the more than 100,000 stories of young veterans will be his enduring legacy.”