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$500m redevelopment of Australian War Memorial passes through Federal Parliament

Headshot of Lanai Scarr
Lanai ScarrThe West Australian
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The Australian War Memorial is set for a significant revamp.
Camera IconThe Australian War Memorial is set for a significant revamp. Credit: ALEX ELLINGHAUSEN/AAPIMAGE

Federal Parliament has ticked off on a $500 million redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial.

The major project, which will inject new life into the national institution and set it up for years to come, was endorsed this morning.

At the heart of the expansion is redevelopment of Anzac Hall to display more aircraft and vehicles.

The ethos is that a bigger display will enable veterans to heal and also foster long-term interest.

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The plan was first announced by former AWM director and former Liberal leader Brendan Nelson.

The tomb of the Unknown Australian Solider at the Australian War Memorial.
Camera IconThe tomb of the Unknown Australian Solider at the Australian War Memorial. Credit: Pool/Getty Images

Contemporary operations and conflicts will also feature heavily in the expansion with just 2 per cent of current gallery floor space devoted to recent veterans.

The expansion plans were subject to a parliamentary inquiry with some saying it was wasteful.

Yesterday Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie was the only person to voice their opposition to the funding.

“I request that my name be recorded in Hansard as opposing this outrageous expenditure at this point in time,” he told the lower house.

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