EMBARGO: AGAINST DELIVERY,
4~~ LIA1: 40 pm
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA FRIDAY, 25 JULY, 1980
LAUNCHING OF THE SYDNEY LEGACY TORCH APPEAL
Thank you for inviting me here today to open your Torch
Appeal launching the Sydney Legacy Appeal for 1980. I had
the privilege of launching your 1976 appeal.
The intervening ye ars have seen a continued commitment,
here and throughout Australia, to the spirit of service
which is central to the Legacy charter.
We can never fully repay the debt we owe, as a nation, to
those who served their country in time of war.
The freedom we enjoy today, and the standard of living that
we are inclined to take for granted, should be constant
reminders to us of the extent of our indebtedness.
But it has been said that no nation in the world cares
for the families of its returned ex-servicemen with as much
generosity and dedication as Australia.
TheL Legacy organisation and the Commonwealth Government share
together a profound interest in caring for the dependents
of those who have been casualties in the service of our
country. The creation of the Commonwealth repatriation system ~ in 1917
was recognition of a national responsibility for ex-servicemen
and women, and their families.
Successive governments have built significantly upon that
first step. But no amount of money or government involvement
can provide the personal touch of a voluntary organisation
such as Legacy.
The hallmark of Legacy's work has always been the personal
service given to families by Legatees.
Sydney Legacy provides over a thousand ex-servicemen as
Legatees in metropolitan Sydney and country areas.
This is the result of a comradeship fostered and developed
in battle, which has continued for over fifty years.
It is alive in the magnificent spirit of continuing care
for the families of departed comrades; and this care
characterises the unselfish efforts of Australia's
returned servicemen. ./ 2
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Legacy's contribution in what many sometimes see as an
uncaring and selfish society is an example to us all.
Of course, it is impossible to replace a lost husband.
But what is admirable is the way in which Legatees are
willing to ease the burden of those left alone to cope
with the pressures of caring for a family.
This requires from each Legatee time, energy, money and
experience. And he provides for the family in his care,
practical assistance in obtaining Government services such
as social welfare and repatriation benefits.
The contribution made by Legacy to the education of children
of deceased veterans deserves universal acknowledgement.
I suspect that when Major General Sir John Gellibrand formed
a remembrance club after World War I, he never imagined that
it would blossom into such a comprehensive community
service organisation.
Since then, it has taken care of over half a million widows
and children.
There are 108,000 people in Australia currently being cared
for by Legacy; and 27,000 of these are the direct
responsibility of Sydney Legacy.
And this number is growing. For over the years, all too many
tragic conflicts in Malaysia, Korea, and Vietnam have brought
new responsibilities to Legacy.
have been met; and families within their care have
included those of allied ex-servicemen who have since settled
in Australia; and the families of ex-servicemen who have
died since returning from service.
The enormous task of assisting such families will continue
into the 21st Century.
For some 50,000 Australian servicemen took part in the
Vietnam War, and, in due course, many of their families will
come under Legacy's care.
As a Government, we believe that care for those in need. in our
community is most beneficially met by government working in
partnership with voluntary organisations.
In recognition of this, since coming to office, this government
has maintained a long established system of providing benefits
for veterans. / 3
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I believe that Australia's current repatriation system iS
one of the most accessible and generous systems in the world,
being based on principles and policies which have been
developed and tuned, over the years, to me'et the needs that
have arisen since World War I.
This government will continue to ensure that these princiLples
and policies are maintained.
Repatriation expenditure increased from $ 62 million in
1949/ 50 to $ 317 million twenty years later.
In the last financial year, the figure had risen to over
$ 1,300 million.
And in the last Budget, the Government made substantial
adjustments to a number of important benefits for veterans.
These benefits are reinforced in their effectiveness by
the work of Legacy.
But like all voluntary organisations, Legacy must rely
primarily on fund raising activities to finance its various
programmes. Thus, it is dependent on the community in general, and in
particular on people such as yourselves the representatives
of business houses and clubs for its success.
This year, Sydney Legacy needs more than $ 1.2 million to meet
its programmes.
The Torch Appeal which we launch today is Legacy's major
fu~ hd raising activity.
It will culminate in Legacy week with the annual button day
on September
This is a day when Australians are proud to show that they care
by displaying Legacy's symbol and buying a button from
thousands of generous helpers.
The target for the Torch Appeal this year is $ 500,000.
It is obvious, ladies and gentlemen, that Sydney Legacy cannot'
carry on its magnificent work without strong and continued
support.
Let us today assure legacy of that support.
I know all Australians are aware of the important role they
can play, through this appeal, to enable Legacy to assist
the families of those who served our country in time of' war.
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So, on behalf of those ex-servicemen who are no longer
with us, I ask you all, and the whole Australian comimuniLty,
to give generously in the weeks ahead.
Through this spirit of giving we can make sure that the
families of deceased ex-servicemen are cared for in the way
they deserve and in the way the servicemen would have
wished. I have much pleasure in declaring Legacy's Torch Appeal
officially open. 000---