Victory in the Pacific Day

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (12:56): I move:

That this house—

(a) acknowledges that 15 August 2020 marks the 75^th anniversary of the Allies' Victory in the Pacific (VP Day);

(b) recognises the human suffering wrought by the Pacific conflict;

(c) remembers the approximately 17,500 Australians killed in the Pacific conflict;

(d) recognises the attacks on Australian territory and the real threat of a Japanese invasion of Australia during the war in the Pacific; and

(e) honours the courage, resilience and sacrifice of all allied forces, medical officers, intelligence staff, and all who contributed on the home front to the successful allied war effort.

15 August 2020 marks the 75^th anniversary of the allied Victory in the Pacific. Approximately 17,500 Australians were killed in the Pacific conflict. Victory in the Pacific Day (or VP Day) is commemorated across Australia and the world. As the anniversary of the day World War II ended, it is a date we will never forget.

On 15 August 1945, Japan accepted the allied nations' terms of surrender and Australian prime minister Ben Chifley announced that the war was over. On VP Day, we remember Australia's war efforts from 1942 to 1945 in the Pacific region, including in Singapore, Borneo, Malaya, Papua, New Guinea and New Britain.

It was a time when people worked hard and cooperated to defend the nation. We commemorate those who served in the war. Some 40,000 Australians did not return home to their families. Over 17,000 of them lost their lives while fighting in the war against Japan, some 8,000 of whom died in Japanese captivity.

I encourage Australians to pause and reflect on the 75^th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day, marking the end of the Second World War. Victory in the Pacific Day marks Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allies after more than three years of war. During the Second World War, almost one million Australian men and women served.

On Victory in the Pacific Day, we recognise those who served our nation, honour those veterans who remain and remember those who are no longer with us. We owe these men and women a great debt of gratitude and we will never forget.

Mr TEAGUE (Heysen) (12:57): I rise to indicate the government's support for the motion. I commend the member for Light for bringing it to the house, and in the circumstances will confine my remarks to commending the motion to the house.

The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Pederick): If the member for Light speaks, he closes the debate.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: It has all been said, Mr Acting Speaker.

Motion carried.

Sitting suspended from 12:58 to 14:00.