Mr JENKINS (4:56 PM) —I want to take this opportunity to speak on Vietnam Veterans Day and to join with honourable members who have also had this opportunity. The Prime Minister earlier today made a speech commemorating the day, and he was eloquently supported by my colleague the member for Cowan, who made what would be considered a very moving contribution about his direct experiences.

I want to use this opportunity to speak about two institutions associated with my electorate. The first is the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Association, which held a concert on Friday last. It was a band concert and the artists that played at that concert were the Australian Army Band Melbourne. I wish to congratulate Bob Elworthy, as the chair, and the committee of the Diamond Valley Vietnam vets not only for the concert and the occasion that they had on Friday but for their continuing support and the work they do for their comrades in arms, the Vietnam veterans. I think that this is a very important organisation. I know that other members are involved with organisations of a similar ilk. The camaraderie and mateship that people in these organisations display and the comfort that they give to each other and their families have been very important in the periods since the Vietnam conflict. Today, 39 years on from the Long Tan battle, it is important that we do have these reflections.

I also wish to place on record my congratulations to the Australian Army Band Melbourne, which is located at Simpson Barracks, Macleod or Watsonia in the seat of Jagajaga, alongside my electorate. They are a very professional and very fine group of musicians and are a great credit to the Australian defence forces. As was indicated on Friday night, those who served in similar Australian Army bands throughout Australia at the time of the Vietnam conflict were on duty in Vietnam. Often they served as non-armed combatants. They did things such as stretcher duties and the like. The support that those people displayed in the conflict and the fact that they were very much part of Australia’s efforts throughout the Vietnam years were placed on record on Friday night.

Much has been said about the events of the last 40 or so years. The main thing is that we do come to agreement at this time about the way in which we should treat our veterans. No matter what our position is about their deployment, when they come back they should have our support. The Australian Army Band Melbourne has recently returned from its deployment in Iraq. I am sure that while there they served Australia in a fine fashion. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to place on record to both the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans and the AAB Melbourne my complete congratulations and admiration for the way in which they carry out their work.