RSL Condemns Memorial Desecration and Calls for Increased Protections

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has condemned the vandalism of the Eltham cenotaph in Victoria.

The RSL has called for concerted Commonwealth and State Government action to protect Australia's war memorials and for an increase in penalties for those caught defacing and desecrating them.

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley said the vandalism was shameful and disrespectful to all veterans, including the many First Nations veterans who have served, and continue to serve, Australia.

"War memorials are not political props. They are symbols of unity and exist to remember service, loss and duty. They deserve protection and respect at all times," Peter Tinley said.

"RSL Australia stands with RSL Victoria and the Montmorency-Eltham RSL Sub-Branch in support of all veterans affected by this attack.

"While we understand there is a community debate around Australia Day, ANZAC monuments have nothing to do with that debate. These monuments are symbols of unity, and will continue to be so, for Australians of all cultural backgrounds.

"The freedom to protest is itself a legacy of those we honour at these memorials. They fought and died so Australians could speak freely, assemble peacefully, and challenge their government without fear.

"The timing of this vandalism is even more confronting with Victorian veterans deployed to country areas as we speak in support of first responders and emergency services risking their lives to protect Victorian communities from devastating bushfires. The very values these monuments represent - service, sacrifice, and mateship - are being demonstrated by our first responders on firegrounds across the state.

"Just two days ago, our nation came together in mourning for the 15 innocent Australians murdered in the Bondi terrorist attack. In our collective grief, we reminded ourselves of the society we want to be - one built on unity, respect, and courage in the face of hatred. The vandalism of war memorials on the eve of Australia Day stands in stark contrast to everything we came together for.

"Now is the time to pull together, not tear apart. We must be thoughtful about what sort of society we want to be. Acts like this do nothing to unite our community, but they will not stop the RSL from being inclusive and respectful of our First Nations’ service and striving for reconciliation. Inclusion makes us stronger.”

Peter Tinley said the desecration of sacred war memorials in the name of protest dishonoured the very sacrifice that made our freedoms possible.

"These sacrifices over more than 100 years must be respected and revered, and the ideals our people fought and died for must be protected," he said.

"All levels of government have a responsibility to act. There must be increased security and surveillance at war memorials, particularly around key dates, and State and Territory Governments should consider strengthening penalties for those convicted of defacing monuments.

"The Australian Government can and should lead the push by developing an education and respect program to promote the significance and sanctity of our war memorials.

"Those responsible for this damage must be apprehended and face appropriate consequences that reflect the community's deep concern at this desecration of our sacred sites."