On the eve of Remembrance Day 2026 the Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP has condemned a ‘senseless attack’ on a local war memorial.
Following vandalism of the flagpole at Hervey Bay’s Freedom Park, Mr Batt has spoken with Hervey Bay RSL Sub-Branch President Brad Gray.
“Everyone is working to ensure that Remembrance Day activities go ahead as planned. Our community won’t let this outrageous act stop us from paying tribute to those who fought for our freedoms,” Mr Batt said.
In September, the Coalition announced a plan to protect our war memorials, Australia Day, and the Australian flag.
Australians have seen war memorials vandalised, anti-Australian slogans sprayed across commemorative sites and the Australian flag burned at protests.
Mr Batt said Australians are entitled to be proud of their country, and we should protect the symbols and memorials that have made us the great nation we are.
“I’m proud to call Australia home, and I know so many people across Hinkler are too,” Mr Batt said.
“That means standing up for our national day, our national flag and the memorials that honour Australians who served and sacrificed for our country.”
The Coalition will:
- Introduce serious penalties for deliberately damaging war memorials and other significant national monuments.
- Create a criminal offence for serious public desecration of the Australian flag, especially where it will incite hatred or violence.
Mr Batt said protecting these symbols is about protecting the values and history they represent.
“If we don’t stand up for the things that bring Australians together, we risk losing them.
“Local war memorials like those in ANZAC Park in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay’s Freedom Park and the Krupp Cannon Memorial in Childers carry the names of people from our region who left their families to serve Australia and they deserve our protection.”
This measure forms part of the LNP’s plan to fix the economy and protect our way of life.
“Our plan is focused on four immediate priorities. Lower taxes, cheaper power, less migration, and more homes, while putting Australians first.” Mr Batt said.
“We believe Australia and our way of life is worth fighting for.”