Albanese government hands former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton new job
Former Liberal leader and Defence Minister Peter Dutton will join the Council of the Australian War memorial with the Albanese government praising his record on national security and military readiness.
Former Liberal leader and Defence Minister Peter Dutton will join the Council of the Australian War memorial with the Albanese government praising his record on driving “major reforms” on national security and military readiness.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has announced Mr Dutton, who served in parliament for more than 20 years before leading the Coalition to a devastating election loss in 2025, will join the AWM Council later this month for a three-year term.
“In his post parliamentary life he remains passionate about strengthening Australia’s values, institutions and national interests,” Minister Keogh said in a statement confirming Mr Dutton’s appointment.
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The AWM Council is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs and policy of the national institution, including the nature of its displays and exhibits, maintaining the Commemorative Area as well as undertaking a major expansion project.
The new Atrium and Anzac Hall at the Australian War Memorial was officially opened in June this year, with the building’s entire renovations expected to be completed next year, at a total cost of over half a billion dollars.
Mr Dutton will replace Glenn Keys AO who is stepping down after 6 years, where he served as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of Council in what the government says was “an important role in enabling the Memorial expansion”.
Former Labor leader and Defence Minister Kim Beazley is the current chairman of the AWM Council which also includes Returned & Services League National President Peter Tinley.
Since losing his Brisbane seat of Dickson in last year’s election defeat, Mr Dutton has also been appointed to the board of the Queensland Investment Corporation by the LNP government in his home state.
