Mrs Crosio asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 13 August 2003:

(1) Can she detail the commemorations that will occur this year to honour those who fell in the Battle for Australia, in particular, at Milne Bay and Kokoda, in 1942.

(2) Has the Government developed plans to commemorate this battle in perpetuity, much like the Gallipoli veterans on Anzac Day; if so, has a date been decided upon; if not, why not.

Mrs Vale (Minister for Veterans' Affairs) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) Ceremonies were held on Wednesday, 3 September 2003 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and other locations including Newcastle and Tamworth to commemorate the Battle for Australia. This year's services coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Lae in Papua New Guinea.

(2) The Battle for Australia Commemoration National Council has designated the first Wednesday of September each year as Battle for Australia Day. This date has gained general acceptance by the veteran and wider community for commemor-ation of the battles fought between 1941 and 1945 in defence of Australia. The Government supports observance of this anniversary and has provided significant financial and other support to the Council to promote its commemoration.