Minister backtracks on Anzac Day for indigenous warriors

Victorian minister says the state could commemorate Aboriginal warriors on Anzac Day if the RSL gives its backing.

John Eren last week. Picture: Hamish Blair

Victoria’s Veterans Affairs Minister has failed to completely rule out changes to Anzac Day services to commemorate Aboriginal warriors who were killed fighting colonisation.

Labor minister John Eren originally ruled out changes to the services outlined in a report from the Department of Premier and Cabinet from last August.

“I can categorically say no changes will be implemented in relation to the services,” he said.

But he later backtracked and said any changes could happen if the Returned Services League and other veterans’ group supported it. “It would be only then, with a consultation on enhancing the commemorations and service that we provide so that more people can enjoy, respect and honour our veterans going forward,” he said. The RSL said yesterday they do not support such a move

In the premier’s department’s online survey, 509 Victorians were presented with the statement: “The period between 1790 and 1930 where Aboriginal Australians defended their lands, kinships and customs from ­European invasion/settlement should be reflected in the Anzac Day ceremony.” They were asked if they agreed or disagreed. Thirty one per cent strongly agreed that Anzac Day should commemorate frontier conflicts, while 19 per cent disagreed and 51 per cent sat on the fence.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Premier Daniel Andrews was turning Anzac Day into a political football. “It is a sacred day and Daniel Andrews should not try to involve it in some confected ideological war,” she said.

State opposition frontbencher Tim Smith said the report was an attempt to politicise Anzac Day like Australia Day. “Daniel Andrews is tearing down the institutions and values of our society and showing no respect to the thousands who gave their lives for what we have.”