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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-03-22 Daily Xml
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OAKBANK EASTER RACING CARNIVAL

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon) (14:30): Can the Minister for Veterans' Affairs advise how the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival will recognise our veterans on ANZAC Day this year?

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland—Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister Assisting the Premier with South Australia's Strategic Plan) (14:30): I thank the member for Croydon for his question. He has a well-known history of an appreciation of racing and is a keen observer. As members would be aware, ANZAC Day and Easter Monday coincide this year, along with the final day of the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival. ANZAC Day is one of Australia's most important days of national significance which captures the spirit of our national identity. It is a time to reflect and pay tribute to the Australian men and women who have served and to those who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our nation.

It is paramount that we recognise and respect the special nature of ANZAC Day and that we listen to our returned servicemen and women on issues concerning the way in which ANZAC Day is commemorated. The importance of ANZAC Day is also enshrined in the ANZAC Day Commemoration Act 2005 which specifically restricts the holding of any public sporting event between 5am and 12 noon on ANZAC Day where entry tickets are available for purchase prior to the event.

As members may be aware, the Premier recently exercised his authority under the act to allow the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival to commence before 12 noon on ANZAC Day. I can advise the house that he did so only after taking into consideration the views of the RSL in South Australia. I understand the Oakbank Racing Club have worked closely with the RSL on this matter to ensure that the appropriate recognition for ANZAC Day is provided, and I am pleased to confirm that an ANZAC memorial service will take place prior to the first race.

I am also advised that one of the races to be run at Oakbank on ANZAC Day will be the Gallipoli Handicap. This race is usually held on a metropolitan track each year on ANZAC Day; however, the RSL has asked that the Gallipoli Handicap this year be conducted at the Oakbank meeting.

I should also point out that the ANZAC Day Commemoration Act 2005 is not intended to limit participation in sport and community activity. For the past two years ANZAC Day has fallen on a weekend, and regular morning sport has been able to go ahead without breaching the commemoration act. In fact, the state government has encouraged sportspeople to honour the significance of the day and to take a moment to reflect on the spirit of the ANZACs—on their courage, mateship and sacrifice.

As the state Minister for Veterans' Affairs as well as Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, I am heartened by our local sporting organisations showing their appreciation and respect for ANZAC Day and the ANZAC tradition. I congratulate the Oakbank Racing Club for working with the RSL in this endeavour. The state government continues its ongoing commitment to the veteran community by acknowledging, listening and working for veterans in this state.

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