Federal Election 2025: O’Connor MP Rick Wilson commits to Commonwealth management for National Anzac Centre

O’Connor MP Rick Wilson is making an election commitment to have Albany’s National Anzac Centre fall under Commonwealth management by the Australian War Memorial. The centre, which was opened in 2014, commemorates the first convoy departure of Australians and New Zealanders on November 1, 1914, from King George Sound. Not only would the commitment put the centre under Commonwealth management but it would also receive $6 million in funding over five years in forward estimates to allow free access to families and visitors. Mr Wilson said the commitment is a “fantastic initiative” that will boost tourism and opportunities for school visits. “Albany has a rich and proud Anzac history and one that we should continue to recognise and respect,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for both local, national and international schools and tourists to learn more about the Anzacs and Albany’s proud history within it.” Mr Wilson said the plan to transfer the management of the centre had been in the works for seven to eight years to alleviate the onus carried by the City of Albany. Since opening, the centre had received about 610,000 visitors and receives around 61,000 visitors a year. Shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie aid it is “right and proper” to elevate the management of the National Anzac Centre to the Commonwealth. “Albany is special geography in our Anzac story, along with Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux, it is an important place for Australians,” he said. “For Australians planning a trip to Gallipoli and the Western Front, we want to encourage them to begin their journey at Albany, as the Anzacs did in 1914. “We are proud of our heritage in Western Australia and want all Australians to share in it with us.”