Medal idea for fallen vets’ mums

MOTHERS of fallen war veterans would be offered a medal under a plan which Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would consider.

Mr Morrison said he would consult veterans on the proposal but added that he was “leaning into” the idea that was put to him by an audience member at a Sky News forum in Townsville last night. The man, who said he had spoken to grieving mothers of soldiers killed in Afghanistan, urged Mr Morrison to commit to the medal.

“I think that’s a cracking idea,” Mr Morrison said in the town hall setting. The PM’s north Queensland event came in the lead-up to his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull’s solo appearance on the ABC’s Q&A tonight. “Whether it is the mothers of soldiers who have been killed, whether it is the wives of soldiers who have been killed or the kids of soldiers who have been killed, we respect and we honour our veterans,” Mr Morrison said.

“We can throw our arms around them but I think the recognition of them for their sacrifice is something I would love to do.”

He said it “burns in my memory” how Vietnam veterans were shunned when they came home and he wanted to improve Australians’ recognition of the service of Defence personnel. The Government has recently announced a series of measures to help veterans, including a card that can provide discounts if businesses sign up. 100 Days of Heroes: Page 12