Television Interview, Sky News Weekend First Edition

SUBJECTS: Anzac Day commemorations; Defence personnel on deployment around the world; Dawn Service disturbances; Iranian peace talks

ALEX THOMAS, HOST: To the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Good morning to you, Minister. Thanks for your time on Sky News today. In these uncertain global times, is Anzac Day especially poignant this year was we remember how hard fought the peace we enjoy is?

RICHARD MARLES, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Well, good morning, Alex. And yeah, I think it is. I think that's a good way to put it, particularly in the context of the commemoration of Anzac Day this year. I think as people look to a world which is challenging and volatile, there is a desire to try and find a system and order, an idea upon which we can rely. And really, Anzac Day offers us the idea of the service and the sacrifice that so many who have worn our nation's uniform have provided to us. And they've done it in the name of the incredible country in which we live. And right there is an idea upon which we can rely and I think Australians are coming out in really significant numbers today to commemorate Anzac Day as they do every year, but with a particular poignancy this year.

THOMAS: And it's one of those rare national occasions, isn't it, that brings Aussies together. It's also deeply personal to every individual. What does it mean to you?

MARLES: Well, holding the role that I do, it's an enormous privilege for me to be able to spend time with the serving men and women of the Australian Defence Force. And it is a moment where I feel a sense of pride in the way in which the country comes together to acknowledge the incredible work which I see them do each and every day. At a personal level, I think about my grandfather who fought at the Battle of Pozières. This year is the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Pozières in 1916, and he did something very brave at the age of 25, but it undoubtedly shaped his life for the remainder of his life, and I think a lot about the impact that it had on him.

THOMAS: Yeah, I think of my grandfathers who served as well at times like these. And although this was started in remembrance of Gallipoli and also of veterans from World War II, it's gone on to mean a lot for servicemen and women that currently serve in the ADF. How proud are you of them? We were hearing from Vice Admiral Justin Jones earlier that I think many of us forget how many are out there right now serving their country.

MARLES: Well, as Admiral Jones pointed out, there's a thousand Australians who are on deployment right now helping people around the world, helping those who are bravely fighting in Ukraine, helping in the defence of the countries of the Gulf, and particularly the United Arab Emirates. And I know that our serving men and women do an incredible job, those on deployment, but in fact, all of those who put on our nation's uniform each and every day. And there is something remarkable about a group of people who have made the decision to serve. It is really why I feel so lucky and privileged to hold the role that I do, because I get to spend time with them and they are an incredible group of people. And I think on this day it is really good to see the country just take a moment, take a step back and to acknowledge our history and to acknowledge those who have served in the past, but very much to thank those who are serving now, because they very much deserve our thanks.

THOMAS: We've seen some booing and heckling at the Sydney Dawn Service, and in Melbourne too. The Sydney one came when we were hearing from an Indigenous Australian who is a veteran as well. How disappointing is that?

MARLES: Well, look, I feel that that's very disappointing. I mean, at so many levels. I mean, firstly, Welcome to Country, respect for our Indigenous Australians is an innately respectful act. This is a day of respect and that kind of booing is profoundly disrespectful. But Indigenous Australians have also played such a significant role in our defence force. This year is the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong in the Korean War. It's really the kind of the most celebrated, if that's the right word, or commemorated battle of the Korean War. Captain Reg Saunders was there. He's our first Indigenous officer in the Australian Army. And Captain Saunders service is an example of so many Indigenous Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force. And it's utterly appropriate that their particular contribution be recognised. And this is a moment where we can just show respect for each other. And I think the booing that we've seen there is a disgrace.

THOMAS: Yeah. This is a time to celebrate, as you were just saying, the bravery and the strength of our armed services, while also hoping we don't need them, rights? So, in that context, how encouraging to see US and Iranian delegates heading back to Pakistan for more peace talks?

MARLES: Well, certainly we are very much hoping that events can be put on a path to peace in the Middle East and that the cease fire in place is obviously a good thing. But it's a cease fire which is fragile. I think all of us want to see that become permanent and we also obviously want to see the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the global fuel supply return to a place of normality. So, we are very hopeful about what will play out in terms of those negotiations, but the people are talking right now, and that we have a cease fire in place is obviously a good thing.

THOMAS: Deputy Prime Minister, this is not a day for domestic politics. But I do have to ask you about the reports that have come out of so-called ISIS brides and children leaving a Syrian refugee camp to try and come back to Australia. Do you have any more details you can tell us?

MARLES: Look, I am loathed to go into that on this day, other than to simply say this, the Australian Government is not repatriating those people from, from Syria. But, but as I say today, given the significance of it, I'm loathed to go into it in any more detail.

THOMAS: Okay. Fair enough. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, really appreciate your time here on Sky News today.

MARLES: Thanks. 

ENDS