Push for Anzac re-enactment gains supporters

There is time to organise more ships for a first convoy re-enactment and Japan should play a pivotal role in the event, according to Liberal candidate for O’Connor Rick Wilson.

At a public forum in Albany last week, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs indicated the convoy commemoration event on November 1 next year could involve as few as four Australian and New Zealand naval vessels and would probably not involve a re-enactment in King George Sound.

Instead, the ships would likely be at port in a “static environment”, with public access allowed.

DVA deputy commissioner Peter King said in addition to the convoy commemoration a major service would be held at Anzac Peace Park followed by a march up York Street by the Army, to be televised nationally by the ABC.

Mr Wilson, who attended last Tuesday’s forum in Albany, said it was important some sort of re-enactment was staged.

“From Albany’s point of view, if you’re going to attract the crowds and get the benefits of the event, then four to six ships is not enough to create that critical mass,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the event was being broadcast nationally and needed to be a spectacle.

“It is the opportunity to put Albany on the map nationally and internationally,” he said.

“I think that Albany has got every right to pursue the biggest event they possibly can put on.”

Mr Wilson said 18 months should be enough time for the Government to organise more vessels and to lobby Japan to be involved.

The Japanese battleship Ibuki played an important role in the Anzac story as one of the escort vessels protecting the first Anzacs.

Mr King said Japan had been invited to take part but had not responded.

Mr Wilson said it might be appropriate to restrict the countries involved to Australia, New Zealand and Japan to maintain authenticity.

Incumbent O’Connor member Tony Crook reiterated his belief there should be a re-enactment involving at least 10 ships.

“Really the Government should be looking to use this time now to encourage not only our own craft to be involved more, but continue to invite other countries and lobby them to come and be involved,” Mr Crook said.

“We need to continue to be on the front foot with this.”