The Australian War Memorial has attracted criticism over its decision not to include the national anthem at the launch of its $550 million redevelopment.
Politicians, distinguished guests and military personnel converged on the War Memorial for the opening of its new Anzac Hall, as well as its new galleries commemorating modern conflicts including Afghanistan, Peacekeeping and the Middle East, on Tuesday evening.
Though the ceremony included a welcome to country, speeches, musical performances and a ceremonial lowering of the flag, the national anthem was not played.
Former air vice-marshal Brian Weston, a Canberra veteran who served 34 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, described the exclusion of the national anthem as "appalling and disturbing."
Mr Weston, who proudly flies the Australian flag from his front yard, said the national anthem was "played at football matches, cricket matches and rugby league matches."
"Goodness, why can't we play the national anthem at the national Australian War Memorial that commemorates all those who have given their life to our country?"
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor blasted the War Memorial for omitting the national anthem.
"There was a long welcome to country... and we didn't even have a national anthem. Seriously. We've got to do better than that," Mr Taylor told 2GB radio on Wednesday.
But a spokesperson for Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh hit back, saying it was "regrettable that right wing parties in the Parliament are seeking to weaponise, for their own political purposes, the completion of a major project that has enjoyed bipartisan support and promotes national unity and cohesion."
The minister had "no power to direct the AWM Council," which was responsible for the event, the spokesperson said.
Veteran David Nicolson served in the Navy and the Army for 12 years, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. Many archival objects related to his service, including the Bushmaster vehicle he operated for Combat Team Alpha in the Mirabad Valley, are on display in the War Memorial's new Afghanistan gallery.
Mr Nicolson attended the ceremony on Tuesday, and said he had "definitely noticed" the absence of the anthem.
"I think it's fair that people are asking why it wasn't played. It was a significant moment and definitely should have been played," he said.
"At the same time, I was fortunate enough to see some of the monumental work that went into this project and the dedication of the people involved.
"While it's important to ask questions about what went wrong, it's equally important not to lose sight of what was achieved."
ACT Liberal Senate candidate Nick Tyrrell said that "at a time when divisions are being stoked, unifying symbols are more important than ever".
"It's disappointing the War Memorial obviously spent a lot of time thinking about various symbolic elements of the ceremony but deliberately failed to include the national anthem," Mr Tyrrell said.
A War Memorial spokesperson said the national anthem was performed at the institution's Last Post ceremony, which takes place at 4.30pm every day and happened before the Anzac Hall event started at 6pm.
"The official opening event for Anzac Hall and Atrium, included a welcome to country, musical performances, speeches and curator-led tours," the spokesperson said.
"The event concluded with the playing of Retreat and the ceremonial lowering and presentation of the Australian national flag."
Mr Weston argued that, without the anthem, the other ceremonial aspects of the opening were not enough to honour Australia's troops properly.
"[The anthem] really adds dignity," he said. "It brings us together. It reminds us of who has gone before us and who we will be asking to go after us."
But Mr Nicolson said the opening was a success, despite the omission of the anthem.
"We should also recognise what has been accomplished and the extraordinary effort of the people who worked so hard to ensure these stories are preserved for future generations," he said.
