Former federal Liberal leader Brendan Nelson has been appointed a member of the council of the Australian War Memorial.

Dr Nelson is filling a position vacated by outgoing member and Seven Network head Kerry Stokes, who is standing down after 15 years, including six years as chairman.

The council is yet to decide who will replace Mr Stokes as Chairman.

Between 2012 and 2019 Dr Nelson was director of the Australian War Memorial. 

He joins former prime minister Tony Abbott who was appointed a council member in 2019. 

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Andrew Gee said Dr Nelson’s appointment would allow him to continue to serve the Australian War Memorial through its historic redevelopment.

By Maeve Bannister in Canberra

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