Ms SACILOTTO - 2008-02-19
The bombing of Darwin was the first attack on Australian soil during World War II, yet it is a little known part of Australian history. How can we better educate the rest of the nation of the importance of this event?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. It has been a very moving day, where many hundreds - possibly even over 1000 people - turned out to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin; not only the anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, but also commemorating the loss of life with the USS Peary, which was sunk in our harbour on this day 66 years ago. It is a day that is full of national significance.
It really is a defining moment in our nation’s, as well as this city’s and the Northern Territory’s history. It is a day that Darwin, 66 years ago, went from being a backwater to the frontline of World War II with all the fears that surrounded this nation at the time with the possible Japanese invasion of Australia. To commemorate that day 66 years ago is absolutely appropriate. It is a history that, over the years, has become increasingly well known in Darwin. It is certainly a history that is taught in our schools in the Northern Territory
However, there is, surprisingly, when you travel throughout the rest of Australia, very little knowledge of what did occur here - not only on this day during the war, but over the following three years in which this city was heavily bombed. It should be in the forefront of our understanding of the national history.
Last year, you will recall there was a lively debate about having a national history curriculum. Obviously, there are a range people who would be involved in determining what parts of our history would make up that curriculum. At the time, as Education minister, I said very strongly that the World War II history of Darwin and the bombing of Darwin should be part of that national curriculum. The minister for Education will be continuing to take that call into education debates as well as, very importantly, the history of the Stolen Generations being part of the national historical record and part of the teaching of history.
An example is the role played by our nurses on and after the bombing of Darwin. Few Australians would be aware that, of 41 000 nurses who served in World War II, the nurses who served in the Territory were on the spot at Australia’s frontline, tending Australian soldiers wounded on Australian soil. I spoke to a lady in the great hall earlier whose husband was the gentleman who shot down the first Japanese fighter over Darwin. He was severely injured later at the oil tanks when the tanks were bombed and he was covered with burning oil. He was tended to and his life was saved by the nurses who were here at that time.
Yesterday, I was pleased to hear of the announcement by the Prime Minister and Veterans’ Affairs Minister that Canberra is to finally have a memorial specifically dedicated to World War I and World War II. These memorials will be located at the foot of Anzac Parade on Rond Terrace above Gallipoli Reach, forming the view from the Australian War Memorial to the Commonwealth parliament. The memorials will honour the 1.4 million Australians who participated in the two wars, leaving 100 000 Australians dead.
I inform the Assembly that I am writing to the Prime Minister to put the strong view that the bombing of Darwin and the subsequent defence of the north should be incorporated in a meaningful way in the design brief for the World War II memorial. Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Mr Griffin, said yesterday the memorials will reflect pride in Australia’s contribution in preserving freedom and democracy.
Madam Speaker, all of us in this House can only begin to imagine what it would have been like 66 years ago today. This is a fitting tribute to people who served in World War I and World War II, and I will be taking this issue up with the Commonwealth government to ensure that the Territory’s story is told.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin for her question. It has been a very moving day, where many hundreds - possibly even over 1000 people - turned out to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin; not only the anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, but also commemorating the loss of life with the USS Peary, which was sunk in our harbour on this day 66 years ago. It is a day that is full of national significance.
It really is a defining moment in our nation’s, as well as this city’s and the Northern Territory’s history. It is a day that Darwin, 66 years ago, went from being a backwater to the frontline of World War II with all the fears that surrounded this nation at the time with the possible Japanese invasion of Australia. To commemorate that day 66 years ago is absolutely appropriate. It is a history that, over the years, has become increasingly well known in Darwin. It is certainly a history that is taught in our schools in the Northern Territory
However, there is, surprisingly, when you travel throughout the rest of Australia, very little knowledge of what did occur here - not only on this day during the war, but over the following three years in which this city was heavily bombed. It should be in the forefront of our understanding of the national history.
Last year, you will recall there was a lively debate about having a national history curriculum. Obviously, there are a range people who would be involved in determining what parts of our history would make up that curriculum. At the time, as Education minister, I said very strongly that the World War II history of Darwin and the bombing of Darwin should be part of that national curriculum. The minister for Education will be continuing to take that call into education debates as well as, very importantly, the history of the Stolen Generations being part of the national historical record and part of the teaching of history.
An example is the role played by our nurses on and after the bombing of Darwin. Few Australians would be aware that, of 41 000 nurses who served in World War II, the nurses who served in the Territory were on the spot at Australia’s frontline, tending Australian soldiers wounded on Australian soil. I spoke to a lady in the great hall earlier whose husband was the gentleman who shot down the first Japanese fighter over Darwin. He was severely injured later at the oil tanks when the tanks were bombed and he was covered with burning oil. He was tended to and his life was saved by the nurses who were here at that time.
Yesterday, I was pleased to hear of the announcement by the Prime Minister and Veterans’ Affairs Minister that Canberra is to finally have a memorial specifically dedicated to World War I and World War II. These memorials will be located at the foot of Anzac Parade on Rond Terrace above Gallipoli Reach, forming the view from the Australian War Memorial to the Commonwealth parliament. The memorials will honour the 1.4 million Australians who participated in the two wars, leaving 100 000 Australians dead.
I inform the Assembly that I am writing to the Prime Minister to put the strong view that the bombing of Darwin and the subsequent defence of the north should be incorporated in a meaningful way in the design brief for the World War II memorial. Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Mr Griffin, said yesterday the memorials will reflect pride in Australia’s contribution in preserving freedom and democracy.
Madam Speaker, all of us in this House can only begin to imagine what it would have been like 66 years ago today. This is a fitting tribute to people who served in World War I and World War II, and I will be taking this issue up with the Commonwealth government to ensure that the Territory’s story is told.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016