Member for Riverina, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said he was proud and honoured Federal Parliament had paid tribute to those killed in 1944's Cowra Breakout and their families.
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Mr McCormack organised for Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Anthony Albanese to deliver Indulgence statements at the start of Question Time to mark the 75th anniversary of the Breakout. Mr Morrison offered his thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Breakout.
"At the strong suggestion of the Deputy Prime Minister... I move that this house record our remembrance of the 75th anniversary of the Cowra Breakout and offer our thanks to those who gave their lives in service to Australia," he said.
"... and recognise the people of Cowra for their contribution to reconciliation and Australia's contemporary relationship with Japan and ongoing relationship with Japan.
"The story of Cowra is the story of unimaginable consequences, of militaristic ideology, the goodness of ordinary people and the willingness of two enemies to become the best of friends."
Mr Albanese recalled the story of POW Hajime Toyoshima, who sounded the bugle, now located in the Australian War Memorial, at the beginning of the Breakout.
"Around 2am on Monday, it will be 75 years since that bugle made its most significant sound."
Mr McCormack paid his respects to the Australian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice either during the fierce battle at the compound or during the frantic search for escapees which followed.
"These men selflessly sacrificed their lives, their futures, in order to protect the people of Cowra, and the people of Cowra have responded by forever honouring their heroic deaths," Mr McCormack said.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said while Sunday's commemoration is a time to remember all those who lost their lives during the Cowra Breakout, it is also an opportunity to reflect on how Australia and Japan were drawn closer together as a result.
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"The respect shown by both countries towards each other following that August day, 75 years ago, has grown to become a wonderful and fruitful bond which shines as brightly as the blossoms we see in the Japanese Garden," she said.
"The town of Cowra is now synonymous with friendship and understanding, and it is a privilege to attend these commemorations. My thanks go to the Cowra Breakout Association and its chairman, Graham Apthorpe, as well as to Cowra Shire Council and Mayor Bill West."
Mr McCormack and Ms Cooke will attend a Mayoral dinner in Cowra on Sunday.
