We must ensure the war memorial’s future is secure

THE financial troubles afflicting the Australian War Memorial should have alarm bells ringing for all Australians.The government has ordered an urgent review of the Canberra-based memorial following concerns raised about its viability.The memorial is struggling to maintain services and retain staff under efficiency dividend guidelines that apply to nearly all government departments and institutions, including the memorial.Confidential advice given to the government, following the August 21 election, warned that the memorial is considering severe cuts to jobs and services.One of the suggestions is for the memorial to close one day a week to save costs.While Veterans' Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon yesterday ruled out the memorial closing in any form, he has also refused to commit to extra funding.The war memorial stands as a beacon of celebration and commemoration of the tens of thousands of Australians who have provided service to our nation on battlefields across the world.It remains central to educating younger members of our nation about the incredible sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and the battles in which they fought. The spirit of the Gallipoli Anzacs, the Rats of Tobruk, our Vietnam Vets and those who have served in modern conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan lives on through the displays and information at the memorial.That it is in financial difficulty is, in one sense, a reflection of the cost of keeping such a vital centre operating. In another sense it is an indictment of the budgetary requirements that have sent it lower on the priority list.Australians continue to show that it is important to honour those who served. Anzac Day services remain well supported and patronised. It is a day that brings the nation together.As the number of soldiers from the major 20th century conflicts diminishes, it becomes even more important to remember their contributions.We expect that the Australian government will remember this when considering the future of the war memorial, and is reminded of its important role.To do anything less would strike at the heart of everything that the nation holds dear from the past and that will continue to mould the future.