URGENT UPDATE: The State Government has just passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill 2025, a significant law aimed at protecting war memorials. However, Robyn Preston MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, has raised serious concerns that the bill does not adequately honor the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
Preston criticized the new legislation, stating, “Late last year and again earlier this year, I introduced two Bills on behalf of the Opposition calling for stronger penalties and greater accountability for those who vandalise our war memorials.” She expressed frustration that the Labor Party delayed action for nearly a year, ultimately rejecting stronger proposals in favor of a weaker alternative.
While the updated law increases the maximum prison sentence for offenders to seven years, it maintains a modest fine of $4,400 and still permits offenders to opt for community service instead of paying fines. Preston described this outcome as “a slap on the wrist,” emphasizing that it fails to cover the costs of repairing vandalized memorials.
“Too often, it’s veterans’ organizations, local councils, or community volunteers who are left to pay the price, both financially and emotionally,” Preston lamented. This sentiment underscores the pressing need for more robust protections for these symbols of sacrifice and honor.
Adding to the disappointment, the Government has planned for Parliament to sit on November 11, coinciding with Remembrance Day. This decision means that Members of Parliament will be unable to participate in local commemorations alongside their communities. Preston urged the Government to ensure that Parliament never again meets on such a significant day, stating, “It’s a simple act of respect, and it’s the least we can do for those who gave everything for our freedom.”
Preston extended her apologies to the Hawkesbury community for her absence from local commemorations this year, emphasizing that veterans deserve to have their representatives standing beside them, rather than being confined to Macquarie Street.
As the new law takes effect, the debate over its sufficiency continues, raising questions about the Government’s commitment to honoring those who have served. The community is left to wonder what additional measures might be implemented to ensure that such acts of vandalism are met with appropriate consequences.
Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing issue as communities respond and call for more action to protect their local memorials.
