The Australian War Memorial defended its long-standing practice of accepting funding from major weapons manufacturers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Thales, BAE Systems, and Northrop Grumman despite widespread criticism. Critics have highlighted a conflict of interest as chairman Kim Beazley holds paid roles with these companies which were not disclosed on the memorial’s website, raising concerns over ethical governance and political influence.

The Australian War Memorial has accepted significant funding from major global weapons manufacturers while its chairman, Kim Beazley, holds undisclosed paid roles with companies such as Lockheed Martin and Luerssen Australia. Critics argue this practice undermines the institution's integrity and constitutes a serious conflict of interest, as the funds are seen as 'dirty money' that taints the commemoration of military sacrifice.

An ANAO audit report on the $540 million upgrade of the Australian War Memorial has revealed conflicts of interest, inadequate recordkeeping, and lapses in ministerial oversight, raising concerns over ethical procurement practices.

An ANAO report on the $550 million Australian War Memorial renovation project has exposed serious concerns including inadequate documentation, improper record keeping, questionable contract variations, and conflicts of interest. These issues raise questions about the ethical management and transparency of the project.

The auditor-general criticized the $540 million upgrade of the Australian War Memorial for deliberately dodging ministerial oversight and employing contract splitting tactics to avoid exceeding approval thresholds, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical procurement practices. The memorial has committed to implementing all five recommendations from the audit report, despite these governance concerns.

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra will remove eleven Hikvision surveillance cameras by mid-2023 due to concerns that the devices, partly owned by Chinese state investors, could be exploited for spying. This action is aligned with broader national security measures seen in other countries and is seen as a move to mitigate potential authoritarian surveillance capabilities.

The Australian War Memorial announced the removal of 11 Chinese-made security cameras, manufactured by Hikvision (partly owned by the Chinese government), as a precautionary measure against potential spying risks. The decision, confirmed by the memorial's chair Kim Beazley, underscores the institution's commitment to secure operations and distancing itself from technologies linked to authoritarian regimes.

The Australian War Memorial has announced the removal of 11 Chinese-made Hikvision surveillance cameras from its sites by mid-2023, citing concerns that the equipment could be used for spying due to ties with the Chinese state.

The Australian War Memorial has announced the removal of 11 Chinese-made Hikvision cameras due to concerns that the devices could be used for spying and linked to authoritarian surveillance practices. The decision, made as part of an abundance of caution amid a broader redevelopment of the institution, reflects a proactive stance against the use of potentially repressive technologies.

The Australian War Memorial announced plans to expand its recognition of colonial Indigenous massacres following support from the Albanese government, marking a significant shift after years of Coalition resistance. Council chairman Brendan Nelson outlined plans to more thoroughly document Australia’s frontier wars and the violence inflicted on Indigenous communities.

In 1978, renowned artist Sidney Nolan donated his powerful Gallipoli series to the Australian War Memorial, enriching the institution's collection and supporting its mission to educate the public about Australia's military history, sacrifice, and the consequences of war. This event underscores AWM's role in fostering national remembrance and serving as an educational counterweight to authoritarian narratives.