The Senate has today supported a motion moved by Liberal Senator Guy Barnett calling on the Government and the Australian War Memorial to include Tasmania in a national tour of 9 Victoria Cross medals organised to coincide with the 95th anniversary of Gallipoli.
"The Senate has now sent a clear message that this unique tour of Victoria Cross medals should visit all states, including Tasmania," Senator Barnett said.
The Senate motion was passed on the voices, but opposed by the Government, including Tasmania's Labor Senators.
"I trust the Government will now see fit to include Tasmania given this vote in the Senate.
"I have also written to the Australian War Memorial and to the Australian Government to express my concerns and to request Tasmania be included in the tour.
The motion was co-sponsored by Liberal Senator John Williams of New South Wales, which has also been excluded from the tour.
The call from the Senate follows the recent launch of a campaign to see the medals brought to Tasmania. The campaign was launched by Senator Barnett with RSL Tasmania State President Bill Kaine and other members of the RSL.
"This tour is an important event that may never happen again. To leave Tasmania off the program is simply not good enough.
"This is a snub to Tasmania and our fine record of military service to our nation.
"Tasmania is the home state of 13 of Australia's 97 Victoria Cross recipients, the highest proportion of any state or territory.
"Tasmanians draw just as much pride and inspiration from these brave men as any of our mainland cousins.
"A tour such as this is an opportunity for young and old Australians to better appreciate the sacrifice and courage demonstrated by these men.
"At least 3 of Tasmania's 13 Victoria Cross recipients are known to have also served at Gallipoli. They are Australia's most highly decorated soldier, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Murray of Evandale, Sergeant John Dwyer of Bruny Island and Captain Percy Cherry of Craddock.
"The tour honours the 95th anniversary of Gallipoli, which is a noble objective. More than 8,700 Australians died and there were 19,000 casualties in that campaign.
"In total 44,000 Allies and 86,000 Turks during just 8 months of battle. Nevertheless, the ANZACS at Gallipoli left a profound legacy that lasts to this day.
The tour is currently set to visit Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland from next month, during renovations to the Australian War Memorial's 'Hall of Valour'. But Tasmania and New South Wales have not been included in the current program.
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for acts of bravery during wartime with the most recent being awarded to Trooper Mark Donaldson for acts of bravery in Afghanistan in January 2009. Trooper Donaldson was further honoured on Australia Day as Young Australian of the Year for 2010.
Senator Barnett produced a book entitled Our Heroes, Tasmania's Victoria Cross Recipients with the support of the RSL, which is now in its 3rd print run.
Copies of the book are available from Senator Barnett's office.