Steve Evans wrote in the Canberra Times (pdf from our subscription) about a report commissioned by the War Memorial on the cultural implications of the Memorial’s displays and attitudes. The report’s main author was Meriam/Wuthathilawyer, Dr Terri Janke. (More.)
Dr Janke’s report called for structural and institutional change at the Memorial and better treatment of First Nations and other minority staff. It identified a ‘fear of negative feedback from conservative voices’ affecting Memorial decision-making, a need for changes in the terminology of Memorial material, and the existence of ‘psychological hazards’ for staff.
Memorial Director, Matt Anderson, said the report was being considered. The Memorial wanted to be ‘a safe and welcoming place for all’.
Defending Country Secretary, Noel Turnbull, wrote this review in 2021 of Dr Janke’s book, True Tracks: Respecting Indigenous Knowledge and Culture. The book sets out a framework for ethical First Nations engagement in public matters.
Dr Janke’s latest report wants the Memorial to address the matters covered. Meanwhile, in the Daily Telegraph, RAN veteran Gray Connolly criticised what he saw as the Memorial’s validation (through its exhibits) of Afghanistan war crimes allegations. ‘It cannot escape notice’, he added, ‘that the War Memorial has been repeatedly targeted by progressive ideologues for new offensives in their unending “culture war” against mainstream Australia’.
Defending Country does not share Mr Connolly’s opinion on targeting and culture war. It notes Dr Janke’s remark about ‘fear of negative feedback from conservative voices’ affecting Memorial decision-making. (See also Nick McKenzie of Nine Newspapers on Memorial staff morale and alleged interference by Memorial Council members with the ‘professional decisions’ of staff members. Related. Historical analysis.)
The main concerns and arguments of the Defending Country campaign are set out elsewhere on this website. See particularly the items under ‘About’ and ‘Australian Frontier Wars’.
Picture credits:
Cover of Dr Janke’s 2021 book.
Another old naval man important in the history of the War Memorial: Captain (later Rear Admiral Sir) Leighton Bracegirdle DSO RAN, c. 1932 (AWM). Bracegirdle’s military career began in 1898 and he served on the Board of the Memorial from 1938 to 1962.
