Australia politics live: ‘Keep the flame of memory burning’, PM tells opening of new Australian War Memorial gallery

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New war memorial gallery will 'keep the flame of memory burning', says PM

A major new gallery at the Australian War Memorial will keep the “flame of memory” burning for future generations, the prime minister told the opening ceremony in Canberra last night, Australian Associated Press reports.

Anthony Albanese was among those on hand last night for the opening of the memorial’s atrium and Anzac Hall, a gallery that focuses mainly on Australia’s commitments to the Middle East, Afghanistan and peacekeeping operations.

Retiring chief of the defence force, David Johnston, and the next leader of the Australian military, current chief of navy, Mark Hammond, were among other dignitaries.

Albanese told those gathered they were bonded by the power of “lest we forget.”

That most unadorned of sentences that dwells within us like a heartbeat – we vow to keep the flame of memory burning so brightly that its glow reaches future generations.

Today we adjourned the parliament so that everyone who wished to could come mark the opening of this Atrium and Anzac Hall, an addition to the Australian War Memorial that makes that flame burns so much brighter.

What a sublime and powerful addition it is. A bold vision turned into a reality that enhances the institution of which it is now part.

The prime minister implored attendees to “read all the words” about those who have gone before them.

Look at the faces and get lost amid the smiles, the hope and camaraderie – the counterpoint to war’s relentless, inhuman arithmetic. They are its true cost.

Yet, amid this loss and sacrifice, what pulses so powerfully is life, and an abiding sense of what is worth fighting for.

Welcome

Good morning and welcome to our live politics blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it’ll be Krishani Dhanji with the main action.

A major new gallery at the Australian War Memorial will keep the “flame of memory” burning for future generations, the prime minister told the opening ceremony in Canberra last night. More coming up.

And with the nation on red alert for bird flu, new reports of dead birds are coming into a hotline – but so far, none have been confirmed as caused by the virus.