Minister Matt Keogh has announced that former Opposition Leader and Federal Minister, Peter Dutton, has been appointed to the Council of the Australian War Memorial.
Mr Dutton's term commences 14 November and he replaces Glenn Keys AO. Mr Keys' term was not due to expire until 30 June 2027.
There will be speculation on how Mr Dutton's appointment will impinge on current issues currently at the Memorial, like its attitude to Ben Roberts-Smith and its approach to properly recognising and commemorating the Australian (Frontier)Wars.
Talk of 'the numbers' is a bit irrelevant, because the Memorial Council very rarely takes formal votes. Influence, however, is a different matter, as is the role Council members play on its various committees.
Mr Keys was Chair of the Memorial's Finance and Audit Committee, which looks after the place's finances. It will be recalled that the Minister, not to mention ABC Four Corners, were unimpressed by aspects of the Council's management of its redevelopment program. Perhaps Mr Dutton's background as a Minister (including as Assistant Treasurer) and successful businessman will come into play in his role on the Council.
As always, it is a case of 'watch this space'. The Memorial is a notoriously opaque institution, despite its large media team - as we have commented previously.
Meanwhile, it is worth recalling that Mr Dutton's great-great grandfather, Charles Boydell Dutton, a landowner inland from Rockhampton, in 1861 protected local blacks against the notorious Queensland Native Police. David Marr tells the story in his book Killing for Country, at page 243. CB Dutton wrote: 'The conduct of the native police [under white officers] was characterised by the grossest cruelty, the most expressive and exasperating acts, inspiring a feeling of hatred, and desire of revenge'.
Media articles: Canberra Times; News.com.au.
Picture credit: Peter Dutton 2024 (Wikipedia/Presidential Communications Office, The Phillipines/Public Domain).
More from
General
category
