Arabic version: مشروع شواهد القبور يثير تساؤلات بشأن تمويل المنح الفيدرالية

According to ABC News, the South Australian branch of the Headstone Project is concerned that federal funding available for its work is substantially lower than a commitment made before the 2022 federal election. The organisation identifies World War I veterans buried in unmarked graves and installs military service headstones recognising their service to Australia.

Labor committed $3.7 million in national funding for the Headstone Project before the 2022 election. Federal budget papers show $1.4 million over five years from 2025-26 has been allocated for a range of memorial initiatives, including the Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants program used by the project. Grant guidelines seen by ABC News show $58,000 is available nationally through that program in the current financial year.

SA branch president John Brownlie said a headstone costs about $1,500 per grave, while federal grants contribute $620. He said the available amount appeared to fall below what should be provided. “Look at what you’ve [the federal government] promised, and look at what you’ve delivered, because there’s a vast discrepancy,” Mr Brownlie said. “I think the behaviour of the government, quite frankly, is egregious.”

The federal government did not provide an on-the-record response to the concerns. ABC News understands that all eligible applications have so far received grant funding. Retired police officer Ian Hopley, who helps locate graves, verify veterans’ identities and contact relatives, said the SA branch had provided headstones to nearly 200 servicemen and women. About 500 more are known to be waiting across the state. “Our work will go on for a very long time, provided we get the right funding and support,” he said.