Mr Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is a pleasure to return to the War Memorial today to mark the 
completion of the restoration of the Hall of Memory and to lay a 
wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

Restoring the Hall of Memory has been much more than preserving one
of Canberra's outstanding landmarks or renovating fine works of art. 
It has been a testament to Australia's commitment now and for all 
time, to remember the thousands of Australian service men and women 
who gave their lives for this country.

It is not difficult for those of us here of my age to remember. For
older generations amongst the veterans and veterans groups 
represented here today, those who died are not just names looking 
down from the walls around us, but comrades, loved ones, friends and 
relations. But this Hall will ensure that those of future generations
will also remember - and draw inspiration and commitment from doing 
so. Here amongst the mosaics and the symbolism, the Virtues etched in
glass, the incomparable view and above all the tranquillity, they too
will be able to honour the dead as we do.

For all - young and old, of every faith and nation, living in 
Canberra or just passing through - who come here and pause from busy 
lives to contemplate for a quiet and precious moment those 
Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, I am 
honoured to unveil this plaque to mark the restoration of the Hall of
Memory today.