I’ll begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Ngunnawal people.

I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

JAYNIE SEAL, HOST: A commemorative service has just been held at Parliament House to mark 75 years since the inception of the first National Service scheme.

Today, 84 years on from the bombing of Darwin, we honour those who bravely defended Australian soil and remember those who lost their lives.

Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce, and the Albanese Government is supporting Australia’s tertiary institutions to turn that experience into civilian qualifications. 

Parliament House, Canberra

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Today, on National Serviceman’s Day, we mark 75 years since the inception of the first National Service Scheme.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respect to Elders past and present.

I also acknowledge all those who have served, or continue to serve our nation in uniform, and the families who support them.

OLY PETERSON, HOST: If you or someone you love is a veteran, you know that getting help to get back on track and restart civilian life can be a challenge.

The Albanese Government is prioritising the health and wellbeing of our veteran community, with a commitment to providing more effective and efficient support to veterans and families of veterans.

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
PRESS CONFERENCE 
COFFS HARBOUR, NSW
29 JANUARY 2026

SUBJECTS: Coffs Coast Veterans Wellbeing Centre, veteran advocacy, veteran homelessness