Ministerial Statement

Remembrance Day

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:13): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: Today marks the 96^th anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War. At 11 this morning, as we do at this time on the 11^th day of the 11^th month every year, our nation fell silent for a minute to observe the memory of all the men and women who died or suffered in Australia's war-like and peace-time missions to keep the nation safe and free.

We reflect on a very sombre time in our nation's history, a time when we learnt great truths. The tragedy and the loss of World War I affected our nation deeply. The loss of our best and brightest young people from a small population of just five million was devastating for Australia. At that time, our young nation raised an army of more than 400,000 service personnel, 330,000 of whom were deployed overseas. By the end of the war, more than 60,000 Australians had been killed; 5,565 of these were South Australians.

Very few Australian families and communities were left untouched, with one in five not returning home. Today we also remember the more than 40,000 Australians who have died in service since the end of the First World War. Regardless of our heritage or family story, we are one as we remember those who died so that we might live freely.

I was honoured this morning to attend the Remembrance Day service with the Mitcham RSL within the Memorial Gardens at Mitcham. The Premier and other minsters and members across the house have attended services across the state. The Director of Veterans SA, Rob Manton, and Chairman of the Veterans' Advisory Council, Hon. Sir Eric Neal AC, CVO, attended a service in the Australian Imperial Forces section of the West Terrace Cemetery. I know that many members across the state have been involved with their communities at this important time.

I would like to thank all who endeavoured to support the spirit of Remembrance Day, as well as those who have served their country. Over the ANZAC centenary period, I would encourage all Australians to pay their respects in whatever way they can. It is important that, no matter our situation in life, we continue to remember them.