Albanese Appoints Dutton to War Memorial Council

Former opposition leader Peter Dutton will serve a three-year term on the Australian War Memorial Council, replacing Glenn Keys AO.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in People

Albanese Appoints Dutton to War Memorial Council

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The Albanese government has appointed Peter Dutton to the Council of the Australian War Memorial for a three-year term. He replaces Glenn Keys AO, who is stepping down after six years on the council.

Why it matters

The appointment places a former federal opposition leader on the body responsible for the conduct and control of the memorial's affairs and policy. It follows the Coalition's 2025 election loss, in which Dutton lost his Brisbane seat of Dickson.

Dutton's appointment runs for three years, replacing Glenn Keys AO, who served six years as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee of Council. Dutton has also served in parliament for more than 20 years.

The players

Peter Dutton

Former federal opposition leader who served in parliament for more than 20 years and led the Coalition to its 2025 election loss.

Glenn Keys AO

Outgoing council member who served six years on the Australian War Memorial Council, including as Chair of its Finance and Audit Committee.

Kim Beazley

Current chairman of the Australian War Memorial Council.

Peter Tinley

Returned & Services League National President and a member of the Council.

The details

Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced the appointment in a statement. The Albanese government praised Dutton's record on driving major reforms on national security and military readiness, and the appointment takes effect later this month.

2025: Coalition suffers election loss and Dutton loses the Dickson seat.
June 2026: The new Atrium and Anzac Hall are officially opened at the Australian War Memorial.
Later this month: Dutton joins the AWM Council for a three-year term.
2027: Memorial renovations, costing over half a billion dollars, are expected to be completed.

Political Context

The appointment places a figure from the opposition's recent defeat on the council that oversees the Australian War Memorial's policy and affairs. It also comes as the memorial completes renovations costing over half a billion dollars.

The appointment shapes who guides policy at the Australian War Memorial over the next three years. Visitors to the memorial's renovated Atrium and Anzac Hall will be seeing the outcome of a project that has cost over half a billion dollars.

The takeaway

Leadership changes on national institutions often signal shifting priorities, and this appointment links a former opposition leader to the memorial's governance during a major rebuild. Readers can follow how the council guides the memorial's policy in the years ahead.

What happens next

Dutton is expected to join the AWM Council later this month for his three-year term, and the memorial's renovations are expected to be completed next year.