The Allan Labor Government must immediately step in and save the threatened weekly Last Post ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance.
It is disgraceful that the Sunday ceremony, an institution in Victoria for 90 years, is under threat due to a lack of funding from the government.
The Shrine, already under financial stress, has been tasked to contribute towards the costs of PSOs who perform ceremonial duties.
This has come at a time when Victoria Police has been asked by Premier Allan to find $1.8 billion in savings, with the first cut being support for the Last Post ceremony at the Shrine.
These costs have always been funded by Government through the police budget and this should continue.
Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Tim Bull, said all costs should be met by government given the significance of the ceremonies that occurs every Sunday.
“It’s great that families know that they can attend every Sunday - it’s an opportunity for them to pay respects to their loved ones, many of whom lay in foreign lands,” Mr Bull said.
“We have PSOs who undertake the ceremonial aspect of that service. The fact that there is question mark over ongoing funding to fulfil those duties is simply incomprehensible in this day and age.
“It should have been solved well before this and the government must take action.
“The Allan Labor Government can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”

Tuesday 18 February 2025