Speeches

Tonight is a celebration of the contribution the veteran community makes to civilian workplaces around the nation, it’s also a night to recognise the organisations who have tapped into the talent pool that the veteran community offers and the workplaces subsequently reaping the benefits.

It’s great to see you all back for another fantastic AIDN Policy Symposium and showcase event – I think it’s so important that there’s an opportunity to showcase in this place the amazing work that Aussie Defence industry is doing, contributing to our overall capability.

I also pay my respects to all those who have served our nation in the past and continue to do so today. On this day, twenty-five years ago, Australian troops peered from a C-130 Hercules for their first glimpse of Dili.

Since 1947, not a day has passed without Aussie Peacekeepers in the field.

Since landing on the beaches of Gallipoli in the early hours of that fateful day in April 1915, Australian troops have been known to back their mates, no matter what.

106 years ago today, Sadlier and Stokes, under enemy fire, bravely led their mates in a daring attack on German machine gunners, this courageous action helped clear the way for their battalion to advance and liberate Villers-Bretonneux.

It’s wonderful to be in here in Amiens and a great privilege to be representing the Australian Government at this dedication of the Royal Australian Engineers Bridge of Friendship.

As the dawn breaks in Australia, around the world, and here in France, we gather to remember. We remember all who have served in Australia’s name and all those who never returned home.

As we stand here today, surrounded by lush green fields, it is hard to bring to mind their desolation and destruction as the place of some of the bloodiest battles Australia has seen.

Veterans in the Defence industry continue contributing to the sovereign capability of our nation, as they equip the next generation of Defence personnel with what they need.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel's address to the Australian Remembrance Day Service, London.

Address to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

We are now nearly halfway through our first term as a Government and reaching the conclusion of our first full calendar year in office, so I wanted to take this opportunity to give you an update on the work our Government has undertaken in the Veterans’ Affairs space, and then perhaps provide time for you to ask questions at the end.

Melbourne finale of the Legacy Torch Relay.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel opens Caboolture Veterans’ and Families’ Hub.

Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards, Parliament House, Canberra

I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where we meet, near the shores of the Derbal Yerrigan, the Wadjuk Noongar people of the great Noongar Nation and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

I would also like to acknowledge all who have served in our nation’s uniform, and their families. This year we mark 50 years since the end of Australia’s official involvement in the Vietnam War.

As we commemorate 70 years since the signing of the Armistice that brought fighting on the Korean peninsula to an end, I wish to acknowledge those who served from all nations who join us today, and acknowledge your families.

Good Afternoon everyone, I’m so proud to join you to commemorate the service and sacrifice of veterans from each of our nations during the Korean War.

On behalf of the Australian Government, I thank Legacy for the century of support it has given to the families of those who have served our nation, and for the care you continue to provide.

It is a privilege to be with you here today at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, as we mark the 108th anniversary of the Allied landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Today, 81 years ago, the Second World War reached Australian shores. On 19 February 1942 Darwin came under attack by Japanese forces.

It’s a great privilege to be here with you on Remembrance Day. It’s a time when we gather to honour the more than 103,000 Australians who lost their lives, as well as all those who suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Statement by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh, MP Thank you Mr Speaker, I now table the Australian Government’s formal response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide’s Interim Report recommendations.

It is a privilege to be with you today here at the National Commemorative Service recognising Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations. Today, we honour the many thousands of Australians who have served as peacekeepers.

I would like to acknowledge: The Honourable Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah representing the Chief Minister of Sabah...