Minister says no to Anzac Field

The WAFC's radical plan to rename Subiaco Oval as Anzac Field has been given the torpedo punt by Veterans Affairs Minister Deanne Kelly, who last night refused to allow the Anzac legend to be linked to the ground.

The Minister, who is the legal custodian of the Anzac name, said she could not justify the name change to Australia's Diggers.

But WAFC chairman Neale Fong and chief executive Wayne Bradshaw both said last night that they would still explore the naming option, despite the Minister's opposition.

Mrs Kelly told The West Australian she had given the issue a lot of consideration. The Anzac name was governed by legislation that prohibited its use for places or products unconnected to Anzac celebrations.

"I'm the custodian of the Anzac name and it is looked upon, as you could well appreciate, by veterans right across Australia with a great deal of affection and ownership," she said. "I think that a lot of the veter- ans, particularly the older veterans, would find it difficult to justify."

Mr Bradshaw said the WAFC was working towards making an official approach to the Minister in a joint plan with the RSL. The WA branch of the RSL has given its full support.

"We spoke to her (Mrs Kelly) about the concept in December in that we wanted an opportunity to help grow the Anzac legend and we felt we had a pretty good hearing," he said. "We are very respectful of the name and acknowledge the possible privilege of using Anzac Field. We want to do what is right and we are not about to exploit the name, which we revere."

Mrs Kelly said the WAFC had requested Federal funding as part of the renaming plan at a meeting in December but the money would be better used for veterans' health and support services.

"I am a footy supporter and I really wish the oval well and I know they are working hard to get their sponsors. But I think in the veterans' community this would be something just outside our great covenant to look after their affairs."

State Sport Minister Bob Kucera was last night non-committal on the proposal. "The Government is aware of the . . . proposal - it is still examining the information it has been presented," he said.

The WAFC is adamant it does not need the permission of Subiaco City Council to rename the 101-year-old ground, but Subiaco mayor Heather Henderson said she was disappointed the WAFC had not consulted it.