Minister for Defence - Anzac Day

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, today paid tribute to all those who have served our nation and remembered the fallen at a number of Anzac Day activities across Sydney.

Minister Payne attended the Dawn Service in Penrith before attending the Consular Wreath Laying Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place and the Anzac Commemorative Service in Hyde Park.

Minister Payne said this year marks the 100^th anniversary of Australia’s involvement on the Western Front, in France and Belgium.

Almost 300,000 Australians served on the Western Front, more than 46,000 lost their lives and about 18,000 were left with no known grave.

“The actions of the Australian and New Zealand forces left a powerful legacy of bravery, mateship and sacrifice,’’ Minister Payne said.

“Anzac Day will also have special significance for the 2,500 Defence personnel who are currently deployed around the world and their families”, Minister Payne said.

“Australian and New Zealand troops are once again serving side-by-side at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq, training local forces in the fight against Daesh,’’ Minister Payne said.

“From the Middle East, Afghanistan and South Sudan, to those protecting our borders, the spirit of the original ANZAC’s is continued by the deployed men and women of the ADF today.’’

Media contact:

Henry Budd (Minister Payne’s Office) 0429 531 143

Defence Media (02) 6127 1999