A MOVE to promote World War I giant John Monash to the rank of field marshal via an act of federal parliament would get the vote of the member for Farrer.
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Sussan Ley has indicated she would support a private member’s bill introduced by Indi MP Cathy McGowan to the House of Representatives on Monday.
“Monash’s planning of the successful Allied attack at the Battle of Amiens on 8 August 1918, which expedited the end of the war, surely helped avert an even greater loss of life from our young country,” Ms Ley told The Border Mail.
“The centenary of the Armistice marks a timely opportunity to award Monash the military title of field marshal.”
Ms Ley noted the work of past deputy prime minister Tim Fischer to have Jerilderie-raised Monash lifted from the rank of general.
“My predecessor the Honourable Tim Fischer put forward a convincing argument for Monash’s posthumous promotion and has lobbied strongly for the cause since then, a campaign I have supported since it started around five years ago,” Ms Ley said.
Ms McGowan introduced the bill after being approached by Mr Fischer.
“Monash received no Australian Government awards after 11am, 11 November 1918,” Ms McGowan said.
“It would be fitting therefore, for this bill to be debated and voted on this week ahead of 11 November this year, the centenary of Armistice.”
After being seconded by Queensland Liberal MP Jane Prentice, the bill was adjourned for debate at a time of government choosing.
The bill would promote Monash to field marshal from January 1, 1931, the date he returned to active duty.
