Battle for Australia 84th Anniversary Commemoration Service

Representing the Premier and Minister for Veterans, Mr Trevor Watts MP; Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, the Honourable Anika Wells MP; Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor for Marchant Ward, Councillor Danita Parry; Member for Aspley, Mr Bart Mellish MP; Member for Stafford, Mr Luke Richmond MP; Senior representatives of the Australian, New Zealand and Fijian defence forces; Consul-General of Papua New Guinea, Mr Reatau Maraki Rau; President, Battle for Australian Commemoration Committee Queensland, Colonel Mark Plath (Retd); representatives of the Returned and Services League of Australia in Queensland, of which I am Patron, and other associations representing current and former servicemen and women; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; students.

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

I am honoured to join you today for the Battle for Australia Commemoration Service — a solemn occasion on which we remember the Australian and Allied Forces who served during a number of critical military campaigns in the Pacific to defend our nation — by land, sea and air — during the Second World War.

This anniversary commemorates those who served in battles against advancing Japanese forces on the home front, and in northern regions between 1942 and 1943, and — importantly — to also honour the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in those conflicts, including many civilians.  

The third of September has particular significance in our nation’s history. It was on this day, 84 years ago tomorrow, that Australian and American forces were heavily engaged in the Battle of Milne Bay in Papua — a battle that became the first defeat of Japanese forces on land, and a turning point in the war in the Pacific.

Japanese forces had wanted to take Milne Bay to establish a secure base to launch further attacks on Port Moresby; however, their attempts were thwarted by the spectacular efforts of two Royal Australian Airforce Kittyhawk squadrons. It’s fitting to see the legendary fighting plane honoured in the name of this Chermside Street.

Of course, the Battle for Australia collectively refers to a series of military campaigns fought in 1942 and 1943, including the bombing of Darwin; the battles of the Coral Sea, Milne Bay and the Bismarck Sea; the Kokoda campaign; and the long struggle across New Guinea.  

Together, they represent a turning point in Australia’s wartime history — a moment when our soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians stood firm in defence of our homeland.

It’s wonderful to have the Consul-General of Papua New Guinea, Mr Reatau Maraki Rau, here today so we can express our deep gratitude to his compatriots, who rendered support to Australian servicemen during several military campaigns. Papuans played important roles carrying supplies to our troops fighting in difficult terrain. Many Australians who became sick or wounded in PNG owe their lives to these men.

The stories of the Battle for Australia remind us of the cost of conflict, the value of peace, and the responsibility we share to honour those who served.  

I commend the Battle for Australia Commemoration Committee in Queensland for its role in coordinating this ceremony, and for fostering links with schools so that young Australians can better understand and honour this important chapter in our nation’s history.   

And I acknowledge and thank the students and teaching staff from the Craigslea, Aspley and Wavell State High Schools who are joining us today and participating in this Commemoration Service.

I also wish to recognise the work of veterans’ organisations, RSL sub‑branches, historians, educators and volunteers who ensure that these stories are preserved and passed on. Your dedication strengthens our understanding of the past and deepens our respect for those who served.

Today, we honour the men and women in uniform and the civilians who supported them — those who worked in factories, hospitals, communications and civil defence.

We consider what it might have been like for communities across Queensland who lived through air raids, blackouts, rationing and uncertainty, and the impact on families who carried the burden of fear, separation or loss. We also honour current members of the ADF who today serve our nation with pride.

We must continue to acknowledge the significance of the Battle for Australia and how it helped shape our nation and secure the freedoms we enjoy today. Lest we forget.