Question Time AU

General Debate

Veterans

House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Henry Pike raised concerns about the number of unmarked veterans' graves and the reduction in government funding for commemoration efforts. He highlighted the work of volunteer groups like the Australian Remembrance Army in identifying and researching these sites. Pike criticised the current funding levels as insufficient to meet national needs within a reasonable timeframe. He also called for an investigation into historical practices where headstones were removed for administrative reasons. The member urged the government to acknowledge these past actions and increase support for grave marking programs.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Henry Pike (Bowman) (Liberal National Party) LNP

Pike argued that the current level of government funding for marking veterans' graves is inadequate compared to previous commitments. Pike noted that funding had been reduced from an initial promise to match $3.7 million to just $437,000, with only $18,000 spent in the previous year. Pike highlighted the significant work done by volunteers, such as the Australian Remembrance Army, who have identified hundreds of unmarked graves in Queensland cemeteries. Pike stated that at the current rate of progress, it would take centuries to mark all First World War graves. Pike called for a formal acknowledgment of historical wrongs and increased investment to complete marking by 2039.