The nation’s war memorial has confirmed it will continue to hand over responsibility of the Anzac Day Dawn Service to a veterans organisation that imposes worship in one religious tradition as part of the commemoration.

In a letter to the Rationalist Society of Australia (RSA) just before Christmas, a spokesperson for the Australian War Memorial (AWM) said the annual Dawn Service would “continue to be held” at the memorial “under the purview of the ACT RSL”.

The letter was a response to the RSA’s call for the AWM to take full control of commemoration services to ensure that the delivery of Dawn Service could meet public expectations.

The RSA urged the AWM to take full responsibility for the Dawn Service last month after the Returned & Services League’s (RSL) ACT branch withdrew from a resolution process regarding a religious discrimination complaint.

ACT RSL told the ACT Human Rights Commission that the Christian nature of the Dawn Service was not discriminatory because the content of the service was “well known and has been broadcast for many years”, and even suggested “numerous alternative services” were available for people who felt excluded and discriminated against. 

In a letter to the RSA’s Executive Director Si Gladman last month, Anne Bennie, the AWM’s Assistant Director and Branch Head of Public Programs, said that the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the memorial had, since its inception, been conducted in conjunction with the ACT RSL.

“RSL involvement in various forms is an arrangement that is replicated in many other areas of the country,” she said.

“I can also confirm that the Dawn Service will continue to be held at the Australian War Memorial, under the purview of the ACT RSL.

“General public attendance to these commemorative events is actively encouraged, but of course is completely voluntary.”

Ms Bennie said the various commemorative activities held at the memorial on Anzac Day catered “for a broad audience”.

“Over time refinements have been made to all three Anzac Day commemorations to align with community expectations and operational requirements,” she said.

Christianity dominates the annual Dawn Service at the AWM, with the event featuring several acts of Christian worship, including Christian hymns, a Christian dedication and benediction, and the Lord’s Prayer – all presided over by a Christian chaplain.

The RSA has previously detailed for the AWM evidence of non-religious veterans not wanting to attend the Dawn Service because of the Christian nature of the event.

Speaking today, RSA Executive Director Si Gladman said the AWM had effectively outsourced the Dawn Service to a third party that appeared to be uninterested in delivering an event that was welcoming of all Australians and reflective of the nation’s religious and non-religious diversity.

“The Australian War Memorial has a responsibility to ensure that commemorations at its venue meet public expectations and are welcoming for all Australians. Clearly, it is failing to do so,” he said.

“It’s not good enough for the Australian War Memorial to simply shrug its shoulders. The Anzac Day Dawn Service that is held at the nation’s war memorial in Canberra is of immense national significance to all Australians, not just some.”

While most RSL-run Dawn Services in other capital cities continue to be dominated by Christianity, Melbourne’s well-attended service at the Shrine of Remembrance is largely secular and far more inclusive, featuring one hymn but, notably, no Christian chaplain, no recital of Christian prayers, and no Christian dedication and benediction.

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Si Gladman is Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. He also hosts ‘The Secular Agenda’ podcast.

AWM letter to RSA, 20 December 2024

Dear Mr Gladman,

Thank you for your correspondence, addressed to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and the Director of the Australian War Memorial. The Director has asked that I respond on his behalf.

As per our previous correspondence, I can confirm that since its inception, the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial has been conducted in conjunction with the ACT Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia. RSL involvement in various forms is an arrangement that is replicated in many other areas of the country. 

The Council of the Australian War Memorial are responsible for the format of the mid-morning commemoration and the Last Post Ceremony. The various commemorations follow different formats catering for a broad audience base. Over time refinements have been made to all three Anzac Day commemorations to align with community expectations and operational requirements.

I can also confirm that the Dawn Service will continue to be held at the Australian War Memorial, under the purview of the ACT RSL.

General public attendance to these commemorative events is actively encouraged, but of course is completely voluntary.

Yours sincerely,

Anne Bennie

Assistant Director, Branch Head Public Programs