The Minns Labor Government is moving to modernise outdated legislation and strengthen protections for the Anzac Memorial, NSW’s most significant monument to honour sacrifice and service.
The Government is introducing the Anzac Memorial Bill 2025 to Parliament this week to update legislation that has remained largely unchanged since the Anzac Memorial Act was passed in 1923 and its accompanying by-laws in 1937.
The bill will consolidate the Anzac Memorial Act and by-laws into a single piece of legislation to streamline governance and bring outdated provisions into the 21st century.
It will enshrine the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park as the principal war memorial in NSW and further protect the amenity of the building and its surrounds which are clearly defined by a new map that incorporates the Pool of Reflection and Water Cascade.
Among the measures, the bill proposes to make it an offence to ride a bike, scooter or skateboard in or on the Memorial building.
The Anzac Memorial Bill 2025 coincides with recent acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the Memorial which has highlighted the need to ensure appropriate protections are in place for NSW’s principal war memorial.
The bill complements the Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill introduced to Parliament in August that increases penalties for vandals who seriously damage war memorials across NSW, including the Anzac Memorial.
That proposed legislation increases the maximum penalty from five to seven years’ imprisonment for intentionally or recklessly damaging a war memorial.
Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “This bill updates legislation that is more than 100 years old to make it fit for purpose for today and strengthen the importance of the Anzac Memorial as NSW’s principal place to honour service and sacrifice.”
“This bill further highlights the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to honouring our veterans and their families and sends a clear message to the community that any act to disrespect or damage the Memorial is totally unacceptable,” Mr Harris added.
“It is the product of extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including the Memorial’s Board of Trustees and staff, the City of Sydney, Crown Lands and RSL NSW. Their input has been instrumental in shaping a modern, practical, legislative framework that reflects the Memorial’s enduring significance in the modern context.”
