AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, CANBERRA

I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet.

ANZAC MEMORIAL PARK, TOWNSVILLE

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

Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, the moment the Second World War ended.

Veterans and their families in the Ipswich area will soon have access to tailored support closer to home, with a location selected for a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub.

Operated by RSL Queensland, the new Hub will be co-located with Mates4Mates at 260 Brisbane St, West Ipswich.

There is no doubt the Australian Defence Force is an incredible training ground for young Australians to launch their careers.

The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Annabelle Wilson as Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner from 6 August 2025 for five years.

Ms Wilson will make an outstanding Commissioner and is already an effective advocate for our veteran families. 

The unique nature of military service can have enduring impacts for those who wear the uniform and for the loved ones who stand beside them.

E&OE TRANSCRIPT 
DOORSTOP INTERVIEW
ROCKINGHAM, PERTH
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 2025

SUBJECTS: Goldsworthy Veterans Hub.

The ship’s company of HMAS Stuart has today been recognised, with approximately 150 personnel among the first in the nation to receive the Australian Operational Service Medal (AOSM) – Indo-Pacific, during a ceremony at Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia.

Today the Albanese Government can reveal the permanent location of Western Australia’s next Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, the “Goldsworthy Veteran and Families Centre” to be based in Rockingham.