ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (14:53): My question is to the Minister for Veterans Affairs. Minister, can you inform the house about the opening of the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk?

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:53): I thank the member for Elder for her question. She and I share a passion for veterans and their interests, and it was on Saturday 23 April 2016 that we saw the official opening of the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk. This walk was the preferred project of the Veterans Advisory Council to commemorate the centenary of ANZAC. It was delivered on time. It was delivered on budget. It has been fantastic value for money not only for the City of Adelaide but for veterans, and it was indeed a collaboration between the federal, state, and local governments.

Can I particularly commend the efforts of the head of the veterans' agency, Rob Manton; my chief of staff, Kevin Naughton; and the wonderful Kylie O'Leary from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure who, in bounds, returned the confidence that her chief executive and minister have in her in delivering this project on time and on budget. These are terrific public servants doing a great job for the state.

The purpose of this 280-metre walk along Kintore Avenue was to physically and symbolically link the South Australian War Memorial with the Torrens Parade Ground and the Pathway of Honour, reinforcing the design pillars of remembrance, service and loyalty. The walk was officially opened by 98-year-old Tobruk veteran Bill Corey, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor Hieu Van Le and the Premier and many others.

The 70-metre interpretive wall and an open-blade fence along the eastern boundary of Government House are key features of the walk. I would commend to all South Australians a tour down Kintore Avenue now to see what a transformation this has been. The granite wall represents a century of conflict and honours for the more than 102,000 Australian service men and women who have died in conflict since Federation.

The walk is a place of quiet reflection where we can all show our appreciation for those who gave their lives so selflessly so we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Footy fans also got to experience the Memorial Walk that afternoon as they made their way down Kintore Avenue to Adelaide Oval to watch Port Adelaide play Geelong. I commend both clubs for their involvement in this wonderful event.

I would like in particular, on behalf of all South Australians, to thank the Governor for his support as well as the Mayor of Adelaide and the state and federal government departments involved for their combined contribution to this wonderful project. It was a complex project and it had its moments, but we got there. It is the memorial for all, not just a few.

For that reason, I would like to make special mention of Sir Eric Neal for his contribution not only to this project but to the Veterans Advisory Council. Last year, Sir Eric advised me of the conclusion of his time as chairman of the VAC, but kindly accepted my request to stay on until this project was completed. His time as chairman has been characterised by decisiveness, pragmatism, inclusivity and consensus.

I congratulate him on his many achievements as chair of the VAC. These achievements, with his leadership and guidance, have significantly enhanced conditions for more than 27,000 South Australian veterans and approximately 80,000 members of the broader veteran community. On behalf of the South Australian government and all South Australians, I sincerely thank Sir Eric and wish him all the best in the future.