ANZAC Day 2025

At this morning’s dawn parade, it was great to see a strong representation from our Defence Force.  Between WW1 and WW2 government spending on defence was minimised causing a significant depletion in our military strength.  Our government were very quick to declare war against Germany, but we were not ready.  Our troops went into battle in North Africa with inexperienced officers, insufficient training for soldiers, outdated equipment and insufficient supplies. Our enemy had been preparing for years. As a result, we lost good men, and many spent much of the war as prisoners.  Being a POW was not safer than being on active-duty soldier and the scars and traumas inflicted were no less.

So please support increased investment in our Defence Force. We need to work with our allies, stay secure in an unstable world, provide peacekeepers, and provide civil defence resources. Also, when people retire from military service they bring valuable skills into our workforce. 

Later at the community parade, the highlight for me was the speeches from the two students from Birkenhead College.  They showed an understanding and maturity beyond their years.  Very well done.