Page 1457 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video

---

men enlisted during the First World War. This was nearly 10 per cent of the existing population and from this figure alone the impact of the war was quite incredible, not only on those who served but on all the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and extended families that were left behind. No-one was left untouched by this global war. More tragic still for those families was that many would never be reunited with their loved ones again.

During this time women wanted to make a valuable contribution to the war effort. However, women in 1914 were not able to hold military positions except as nurses. One of the major areas which women contributed to was fundraising, and many charities were established to help the men at the front. After the onset of the war, many women began replacing the labour shortage left by men in the workforce. Women began to take up positions in sectors that were previously closed to them.

One hundred years on from Gallipoli, I feel it is important to honour the courage, strength and spirit shown by both men and women at this time. The spirit of Anzac that was born on the fields of Gallipoli burns forever in the hearts of all of us. Here today we are safe and free, privileged to have basic rights and the opportunity for a bright future. As a child of refugees from Hungary in 1957, I certainly appreciate the legacy that we all are the beneficiaries of today. (Time expired.)

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The Assembly adjourned at 6.14 pm.

---

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video