Former Liberal leader Peter Dutton named to Australian War Memorial council

The Australian Labor government announced that former Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton will be appointed to the Australian War Memorial Council for a three‑year term starting 14 November, according to Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh. Dutton, who lost his federal seat of Dickson to Labor candidate Ali France in the 2025 election, is set to replace Glenn Keys, who has overseen recent infrastructure projects at the memorial.

Keogh said the recommendation reflects Dutton’s continued interest in “strengthening Australia’s values, institutions and national interests” after his departure from parliament. The appointment will be made by the government, which has previously placed former Liberal officials in senior public‑service roles, including former NSW Treasurer Matt Kean as chair of the Climate Change Authority and former opposition leader Sussan Ley to the Snowy Hydro board.

During his tenure as Defence Minister under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Dutton was involved in a 2021 decision to overturn a recommendation by then‑Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell to remove a meritorious unit citation from approximately 3,000 special‑forces personnel who served in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2013. The decision followed the release of the Brereton Report, which examined alleged war crimes by Australian forces.

The Australian War Memorial is in the final stages of a major expansion that will add new galleries and floor space, with full completion expected in 2028. The board’s role includes overseeing the memorial’s strategic direction, governance and community engagement as the institution adapts to its growing visitor numbers and evolving historical narratives.

Opposition figures and veteran groups have not publicly commented on the appointment at the time of reporting. The government has indicated that Dutton remains committed to national values and institutions, a stance reflected in Keogh’s remarks.