Page 1411 - Week 04 - Thursday, 12 April 2018
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punitive, zero-tolerance strategies across several countries. They also noted that there is widespread support for pill testing from the community and practitioners. I reaffirm what the review’s author said early this week: the debate must be about reducing harm rather than criminality.
I am calling on the organisers of Groovin the Moo to allow pill testing services at their festival this year. There is still time to put these services in place. With support from ACT Health, ACT Policing, the University of Canberra and the ACT government already in place, we have the potential to prevent harm amongst young Canberrans. I hope that the organisers of Groovin the Moo will grasp the opportunity before then and help to keep Canberra safe.
Anzac Day
MISS C BURCH (Kurrajong) (4.41): On 28 March I was pleased and honoured to represent the Leader of the Opposition at the 15th annual Anzac aged care wreath laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Residents from aged care facilities in the ACT and surrounds—from Cooma to Yass—attended along with students from Jerrabomberra Public School. This ceremony gives aged veterans, war widows and widowers who otherwise may not be able to attend Anzac Day services an opportunity to commemorate their own and others’ service and sacrifice.
A hundred and three years ago the legend of Anzac was born, a legend of courage, determination and mateship, values that have transcended time and are now in the very fabric of Australian society. Anzac Day has become a day on which we remember the sacrifice of not only those 8,709 Australians who were killed on that day on the shores of Gallipoli but also the 101,000 men and women from Gallipoli to Afghanistan who have given their lives for our freedom. Their sacrifice has shaped the way we as Australians understand our past and our future.
On Anzac Day we salute the spirit of the Anzacs now carried on by the men and women of the Australian Defence Force. In the face of every adversity, that spirit has triumphed, and every time Australians have been called upon to protect freedom and peace they have done so with tenacity, bravery and generosity.
We must remember today’s veterans who are returning from duty in places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. We must recognise all those who have served, irrespective of when. Every year thousands participate in the Anzac Day service at the Australian War Memorial and march with veterans to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a custom that is synonymous with Anzac Day in Australia and the world, but especially in Canberra. Canberra is home to approximately 1,000 army and air force cadets and navy midshipmen currently training at ADFA and another 500 training at Duntroon. It is also home to nearly 8,000 veterans.
While the men who made that fateful landing on 25 April 1915 are all gone we continue to remember and express our gratitude for those who are ready to give their lives for our freedom. I hope I can speak for everyone here in saying that we are especially proud and grateful to all those returned servicemen and women who have
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