Concerns Rise Over Funding for Veterans' Headstone Project in South Australia

As the South Australian branch of the Headstone Project grapples with funding discrepancies, volunteers are sounding the alarm about the financial support promised by the federal government. Despite a commitment made prior to the 2022 federal election, concerns are mounting that the allocated funds fall significantly short of what is needed.

The Headstone Project aims to honor World War I veterans by identifying unmarked graves and providing military headstones. Each headstone costs approximately $1,500, and federal grants currently contribute only $620 toward that expense. John Brownlie, president of the SA branch, expressed frustration over the funding allocations, stating, "Look at what you’ve [the federal government] promised, and look at what you’ve delivered, because there’s a vast discrepancy." He characterized the government's response as "egregious" in light of the promises made.

Before the last election, the Labor Party pledged $3.7 million in funding for the national Headstone Project, yet recent budget documents reveal only $58,000 is available for the current financial year under the Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants program. Ian Hopley, a former police officer now dedicated to locating veterans' graves, noted that nearly 200 headstones have been placed, but around 500 veterans remain unrecognized in South Australia.

Source: www.abc.net.au