Australian War Memorial Director Discusses Expansion, Legacy, and Controversies

In an interview ahead of the opening of new galleries, Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson addressed several key topics. The expansion will make 80% of the rebuilt memorial accessible to the public.

On the Ben Roberts-Smith Display

"The display of Ben Roberts-Smith's Victoria Cross remains because the award relates to actions on June 11, 2010."

Anderson stated that a plaque beside the display records that Roberts-Smith has been charged with war crimes. He said the memorial will tell the truth once the legal process concludes.

Regarding his predecessor Brendan Nelson's public support for Roberts-Smith, Anderson noted that Nelson holds those views and is a loyal man who wants Roberts-Smith's battlefield bravery recognized.

Defending the Memorial's Expansion

Anderson responded to criticism that the expansion turns the memorial into a "Disneyland theme park" by stating the memorial has always told stories through objects. He cited examples like the Amiens Gun and Lancaster Bomber, and defended displaying a Hornet aircraft to tell the story of Australian service in Iraq and Syria.

The expansion is necessary to tell the story of 69 peacekeeping missions and new conflicts, continuing a pattern of 11 previous expansions. He emphasized the memorial is a place of commemoration through understanding, not celebration, citing displays related to peacekeeping deaths and events like the Kibeho Massacre.

Recognition of Frontier Wars

Anderson confirmed there will be a place in the new gallery for recognition of frontier wars. He described the Indigenous resistance as "the first 'battles for Australia'" and warfare that should be understood with dignity.

When asked about acquiring the Gweagal shield from the British Museum, Anderson said the process would start by consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about what objects and stories they want displayed.

Background and Desired Legacy

Anderson was recruited as director by former director Brendan Nelson and then-chair Kerry Stokes, despite having no prior experience running cultural institutions. His background includes being a former captain in the Australian Army and ambassador to Afghanistan.

"My desired legacy is that today's veterans see their service told in the same way and place as previous generations."

Additional Context

The interview also noted that Anderson first came to Nelson's attention when he applied to clean the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier with his son while home on leave from his diplomatic post.