I’m sure you’ve heard that the National Capital Authority (NCA) has approved ‘early works’ redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial, despite receiving a record number of submissions opposing the work.
It’s not over. We’re not giving up, and I know you won’t either.
Join us for a candlelit rally at the memorial on Sunday evening at 6pm.
The NCA’s decision is outrageous – by their own admission, of the 601 submissions, only 3 supported the works. Despite proclaiming their ‘commitment to community engagement’, the NCA has chosen to completely disregard democratic opinion and do what the Morrison Government and their weapons manufacturer donors want.
This approval paves the way for the demolition of the award-winning Anzac Hall and the removal of more than 140 trees on the site.
We absolutely must stand together as a community to say we will not accept this anti-democratic act.
Please join us for a candlelit rally from 6pm 7pm on Sunday 20 June 2021 at the rear (Mt Ainslie) side of Anzac Hall.
The redevelopment will forever change the nature of one of our nation’s most important memorials and the vista of our nation’s capital.
It also means Australians will lose access to the exhibition space and parade ground including for Anzac Day ceremonies – for years to come.
Legal options and what you can do:
The group of people coordinating the campaign to save the Memorial have been discussing other steps, including legal approaches. The good news is, there are legal options to turn this around. And the first step is simple and free: anyone who wrote a submission to the NCA who doesn’t feel that their concerns have been properly addressed can write to formally request a “Statement of Reasons” under s13 of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977. This is the first vital step towards any potential appeal of the decision.
If you wrote a submission and you’re dissatisfied with the response, this template is offered for your use to help you write your request. As it says, you will need to send it by email to WAconsultation@nca.gov.au by close of business, 30 June 2021.
I hope to see you on Sunday evening!
In kindness and solidarity,
Tim Hollo
ACT Greens Candidate for Canberra