The Minns Labor Government has delivered on its commitment to modernise 100-year-old legislation and strengthen protections for the Anzac Memorial, enshrining it as NSW's most significant monument to honour sacrifice and service.
Last night the NSW Parliament voted to pass the Anzac Memorial Bill 2025, to update legislation around the state's principal war memorial that has remained largely unchanged since the Anzac Memorial Act was passed in 1923 and its accompanying by-laws in 1937.
These updates consolidate the Act and by-laws into a single piece of legislation to streamline governance and bring outdated provisions into the 21st century.
The legislation ensures the status of the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park as the principal war memorial in NSW and further protects the amenity of the building and its surrounds which are now defined by a new map that incorporates the Pool of Reflection and Water Cascade.
In addition to these updates this legislation also now makes it an offence to ride a bike, scooter, or skateboard in or on the memorial building. It also enables authorised security officers to direct people to leave the memorial area if the officer is of the opinion that the person is committing an offence under the Act.
Recent acts of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the memorial have highlighted the need to ensure appropriate protections are in place and this updated legislation will ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans are protected.
The Bill complements the NSW Government's Crimes Legislation Amendment (War Memorial Offences) Bill 2025 which passed Parliament on 22 October 2025 to increase penalties for vandals who seriously damage war memorials across NSW, including the Anzac Memorial.
That legislation increases the maximum penalty from five to seven years' imprisonment for intentionally or recklessly damaging a war memorial.
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"I am proud that the Minns Labor government is delivering for our veterans and their families with legislation that enshrines in law the Anzac Memorial as our state's pre-eminent memorial and strengthens protections around it.
"Our government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families and this updated legislation sends a clear message to the community that any act to disrespect or damage to the memorial is totally unacceptable.
"These changes come thanks to extensive consultation with key stakeholders Their input has been instrumental in shaping a modern, practical, legislative framework that reflects the Memorial's enduring significance in the modern context."
