As an Australian Defence Force (ADF) veteran, I hold a personal stake in safeguarding the dignity and respect owed to our country's war memorials and Returned and Services League (RSL) centers. Unfortunately, there are countless fellow veterans who, like me, are pained by the consistent inaction against the vandalizing of these critical symbols of national pride.

These acts are a gross violation not just of property, but also of the honor and resilience of the numerous Australian heroes memorialized through these structures. Yet, despite the evident disrespect, a large number of these cases go unaddressed.

Research indicates that Australia has seen a shocking 17% increase in vandalism acts on war memorials and RSLs over the past three years. This alarming trend is moving in the wrong direction and demands immediate action (source: Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs).

We now seek lawful action by extending anti-discrimination laws in order to protect war memorials and RSLs from defacing behavior. By doing so, we not only act towards eradicating this societal scourge but also honor our country's servicemen and women who dutifully laid down their lives for our freedoms and values.

Therefore, we implore our lawmakers to take immediate measures to revise and extend the anti-discrimination laws. It's time to give our war memorials and RSLs the protection they need and the respect they deserve. Please sign this petition to join us in this noble pursuit.