Special Forces Veteran Takes Key Role at War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial's governing council has welcomed a new member with the appointment of Special Forces veteran and former Western Australian minister Peter Tinley. The announcement was made on Saturday, 8 November 2025, by Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh, who moved to fill several key vacancies on the influential body.
Strengthening the Council's Leadership
Mr Tinley will join former WA Governor and current council chair Kim Beazley, who has been reappointed for a further three-year term. This appointment follows The West Australian's October revelation that Mr Tinley was the frontrunner for the position after he won a three-way contest to become the new RSL national president.
The new council appointments include experienced arts administrator Lesley Alway and Major General Wade Stothart (Retd), who recently commenced as director of the Office of Australian War Graves. Minister Keogh also confirmed the reappointment of Sharon Bown to maintain continuity on the council.
Overseeing Major Expansion and Policy
The council holds significant responsibility for overseeing the Australian War Memorial's affairs and policy, including its displays and exhibits which are currently undergoing a major expansion project in Canberra. Minister Keogh highlighted that the new appointments would bring a fresh perspective while retaining valuable corporate knowledge.
He specifically noted that Ms Alway's three decades of experience in cultural organisations and visual art would greatly benefit the council during the Memorial's development project, given her current role as chair of the Geelong Arts Centre Trust since 2018.
The vacancies filled included that of Mr Tinley's immediate predecessor at the RSL, Greg Melick, along with former prime minister Tony Abbott and Victoria Cross winner Daniel Keighran, whose terms had expired. While there's no formal requirement for RSL representation on the War Memorial's governing body, the two organisations share a long history of close ties.
Peter Tinley served as a WA State MP and minister for 14 years before retiring at the March election. His military background includes 25 years in the Australian Defence Force, with 17 years in the SAS and service as deputy commander of Special Forces task groups in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
His connection to Mr Beazley runs deep, with Mr Tinley having used his first speech in Parliament to thank the former Federal Labor leader for his personal commitment, advice and their "long chats in the white wicker chairs of his front veranda".
