Australian War Memorial

Gosling described the Memorial as a sacred site founded on the vision of Charles Bean to document service and sacrifice. Gosling noted that the Roll of Honour now lists 103,132 names and highlighted the personal connection of many members to those who served. Gosling supported the redevelopment, stating it would provide enough room to adequately share the narratives of modern service and improve accessibility and educational facilities.

Thompson spoke as a veteran, emphasising that the Memorial serves as a mirror for the cost of service and a place of healing. Thompson argued that the redevelopment was necessary to ensure the stories of modern veterans are told honestly and with dignity. Thompson asserted that the institution must remain above politics, with its independent council preserving history rather than reinterpreting it through a government lens.

Burnell highlighted the Memorial's role in education, particularly for school students and tertiary researchers relying on its archives. Burnell supported the redevelopment as an investment in infrastructure and remembrance, noting the inclusion of frontier conflict in the historical narrative. Burnell suggested that new exhibition spaces should acknowledge ongoing operations such as Operation Resolute, recognising the diverse forms of defence service.

Wallace cited statistics showing the Memorial attracts around one million visitors annually and holds over 40 million items in its collection. Wallace credited the former coalition government with committing more than $500 million to the redevelopment to honour contemporary service. Wallace praised the leadership of directors Matt Anderson and Brendan Nelson in safeguarding the Memorial's mission during the complex construction process.

Swanson used the story of Corporal Horrie, a dog who served in World War I, to illustrate the humanity captured by the Memorial. Swanson supported the redevelopment as an investment in remembrance that ensures future generations can learn from the stories of service. Swanson commended the institution for remaining open throughout construction, allowing the public to continue engaging with its spaces and archives.