ANZAC Day Motion

I move: That this house— (a) recognises that ANZAC Day, commemorated each year on 25 April, marks the anniversary of the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand forces in World War I; (b) pays its respects to the families of those ANZACs who tragically lost their lives during the Gallipoli campaign; (c) shows its gratitude to all Australian personnel who have served in defence of their country; and (d) remembers all Australians who have been injured or killed while serving.

I am honoured to speak today in support of this motion, which acknowledges the profound significance of ANZAC Day and the enduring legacy of those who have served our nation. Each year, on 25 April, Australians and New Zealanders pause to remember the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915. This event marked the first major military action undertaken by the ANZACs during World War I, a campaign that has since become synonymous with courage, resilience and sacrifice.

Although Gallipoli was not a military success, it forged an unbreakable spirit, a legacy that continues to shape our national identity. Gallipoli was a defining moment. It was a campaign that united a young nation in grief, in pride and in purpose. For many Australians at the time, it was their first experience of a global war. It was a trial by fire that saw the forging of an identity grounded in mateship, loyalty and unshakable resolve.

The ANZACs endured unimaginable hardship: rugged terrain, brutal conditions, constant shelling and staggering loss. Yet through it all, they displayed a level of camaraderie and humanity that would come to define the Australian spirit. As we reflect on the ANZACs who fought at Gallipoli, we must also remember the profound impact on those they left behind. Parents, siblings, partners and children bore the heavy weight of loss—grief that was deep and enduring. Families and communities united in sorrow created lasting memorials in churches, towns and cities to honour the fallen.

For the families of those who would return, the tyranny of distance added to their burden. News of their loved ones' fate often took months, sometimes years, to arrive. The uncertainty demanded extraordinary strength as they carried on with daily life, keeping families and communities together. In the midst of their worry, they did what they could to support the war effort: sending letters, care packages and messages of love. Their quiet acts of service, their patience and resilience sustained the morale of those overseas and helped shape our national character. Though often unheralded, their contributions were—and remain—essential to the ANZAC legacy,

Here in South Australia we are proud of our long and distinguished military tradition. More than 47,000 South Australians have served in our defence forces and for many of them and their families ANZAC Day carries deep personal meaning. Across the state, from city suburbs to regional towns, thousands of people will gather before sunrise on 25 April to honour the courage, dedication and loss that defines our nation's military history. On that day, we come together in solemn remembrance of not only the more than 103,000 Australians who have given their lives in service but also those who returned from conflict changed in body, mind or spirit. Their journey did not end with the war. It continued in the lives they rebuilt, the memories they carried and the silent burdens they bore.

This motion also calls upon us to show our gratitude to all Australian personnel who have served in defence of our country. From World War I to modern conflicts and peacekeeping missions, our service men and women have exemplified the highest values of duty, courage and sacrifice. Their commitment to protecting our freedoms and upholding international peace is a debt we can never fully repay but one we must always honour. I want to personally thank all those who have worn our uniform for their service. Whether full-time or as part of the reserves, your service keeps us safe, gives us a sense of pride and is essential to our country's future.

To that end, we also reflect on the contributions of the current generation of Australian service men and women who are deployed across the globe in our national interest. Around 120 Australian Defence Force personnel are currently deployed in Europe, training and mentoring Ukrainian soldiers as they defend their homeland against aggression. Other Australians are contributing to peacekeeping efforts, supporting partner nations and working in joint operations to enhance global security.

At sea, our naval vessels and crews play a vital role in maritime security, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting regional stability. In the air, our Royal Australian Air Force personnel are deployed on critical missions around the world, whether in surveillance, transport or strategic operations. Their dedication and professionalism reflect the highest traditions of the ANZACs and remind us that service is ongoing, not confined to our history books.

As a defence spouse myself, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the unique commitment and sacrifice of defence families and to reflect on the service of a close family friend, a comrade to my husband who is no longer with us. Warrant Officer Class Two Michael Craig was a special forces soldier who served our nation with distinction for nearly 25 years. Nearly eight years ago, he lost his life to an aggressive brain cancer, an illness that struck with the same intensity he had faced on the battlefield. Mick was part of the backbone of our Australian Defence Force. He is deeply missed by his wife, Carolyn, their two sons and his wider defence family.

Mick was a tough and compassionate leader. He returned time and again to highly dangerous combat zones in the Middle East, serving with courage, professionalism and an unwavering sense of duty. He never hesitated, never complained. He was driven by a quiet conviction, a belief in service, in doing what was right and in standing up for others. Formidable in combat and thoughtful in peace, Mick exemplified the values we honour on ANZAC Day. His legacy reminds us all to fight for the values we believe in, to stand firm in the face of challenge and to never take our freedoms for granted.

Whether facing personal adversity or standing alongside nations like Ukraine as they defend themselves against a brutal and illegal invasion, Australians have always stepped up. We do not turn away. We do not stand idly by. We show up with courage, with compassion and with an unshakable belief in a fair and just outcome. Doing nothing is never an option. For every deployed member, there is a family back home who has learnt to be resilient and self-reliant in their absence.

Deployments that last six to nine months are a common reality, and defence families carry that weight with strength and grace. Defence families are often the quiet force behind the uniform. They provide strength, stability and support, often while managing careers and parenting amid postings and deployments. They, too, deserve our deepest respect.

I want to acknowledge the evolving role of our defence forces in times of crisis beyond the battlefield. In recent weeks and months, we have seen the relief on the faces of people affected by flood. It was only in the last few years we felt the same sense of relief here in Australia as our troops stepped up to help in our own trials with bushfires.

Whether it is answering the call for help during flood, fire or pandemic or responding to international disasters, our personnel have stood ready to serve and protect both at home and abroad. Their versatility, compassion and professionalism in times of national emergency remind us that service comes in many forms, but it is always grounded in the same ANZAC values of courage, mateship and humanity.

We have all learnt much from the resilience, determination and compassion of those who served in World War I. The ANZACs showed us what it means to persevere in the face of adversity, to look out for one another even in the harshest conditions and to uphold a sense of humanity amidst the devastation of war. Their values continue to inspire us today, reminding us of the strength found in unity and the importance of supporting those in need.'

Moreover, the sacrifices of the ANZACs laid the foundations for our nation's success. Their bravery, resourcefulness and unwavering commitment to each other in times of crisis instilled values that have helped shape modern Australia. Their spirit of mateship, resilience and fairness became ingrained in our national character, influencing our approach to challenges both at home and abroad. The freedoms, democracy and opportunities we enjoy today were hard earned through their sacrifice, and it is our duty to uphold and honour that legacy.

As generations have passed, the responsibility of remembrance becomes ours. We must teach our children the meaning of ANZAC Day, not just as a moment of national pride but as a solemn commitment to peace, to gratitude and to one another. We must ensure that future Australians understand the cost of the freedoms they enjoy and carry forward the lessons learnt in war: that peace is precious, that courage is quiet and persistent and that sacrifice must never be forgotten.

This house remembers all Australians who have been injured or killed while serving. Whether on the battlefield or in humanitarian missions, their sacrifice has shaped the nation we live in today. The physical and psychological scars borne by our veterans are a solemn reminder of the cost of war, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the support, respect and care they deserve.

ANZAC Day is not just a date in history: it is a living commemoration of the values that define us as Australians. It is time to renew our collective pledge: to honour the past, to care for our veterans, and to strive for peace in the future. In supporting this motion, I hope we reaffirm our commitment to remembrance, gratitude, and the ongoing care of those who have served. Lest we forget.