I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
Good evening, everyone.
Thank you, Peter, for that warm introduction.
I’d like to acknowledge all our distinguished guests tonight, including all my parliamentary colleagues.
I especially want to thank all the veterans and serving personnel of the Australian Defence Force who are here tonight.
Australians owe a debt of gratitude to all those who serve our nation – and to their partners and families who support them.
Friends,
I’m delighted to join you for this wonderful celebration.
Each year, these awards recognise the extraordinary skills and talents of our veterans, the support and dedication of their families, and the contributions of employers right across Australia.
These awards matter because they acknowledge that moving into the civilian workforce can be a challenging journey.
Yet is important that the journey is undertaken for the simple, powerful fact that our veterans have so very much to offer.
Your hard-won skills — like leadership, teamwork, and the ability to work well under pressure — are an asset to any employer.
Your work ethic is a strength in any team.
You have extraordinary capacities as leaders, planners, thinkers, and communicators.
And you are steeped in the values of the Australian Defence Force: service, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence.
Everyone here tonight gets it.
But we’re sharing the message with people and organisations outside these walls, too — from small businesses and NGOs, to government agencies and big corporate employers.
All Australians need to appreciate that our veterans have the powerful combination of experience and personal qualities that are the makings of a valuable contribution.
A meaningful job and secure workplace are crucial to this.
Our Veteran Employment Program has improved how we’re supporting veterans move into meaningful civilian work.
It’s doing more to empower our veterans, and help employers better understand the unique skills and experiences veterans bring.
I’m also delighted by our renewed Veteran Employment Commitment, which asks employers to create the sorts of workplaces where veterans can thrive.
Thank you to all the organisations who’ve joined the VEC so far. It is my hope that many more will follow their lead.
Our veterans are some of the most resourceful and skilled people I have ever met.
We must also acknowledge the role played by their partners and families.
They’ve made enormous personal sacrifices, and in the process they have made so much possible.
For so many veterans, there is no greater source of strength than their loved ones who have stood by them over the years.
You have all stepped up for us, so we must step up for you.
One meaningful way of stepping up is help you navigate the challenges of forging your own careers.
Just as there are challenges that can be made easier, there are very real rewards there for the taking – for employees, and for employers.
The benefit of gaining a highly skilled and motivated employee speaks for itself.
So tonight, as we celebrate veterans and honour their partners and families, we acknowledge the employers who are leading the way in helping our veterans build a future.
Congratulations to all of tonight’s finalists.
Along with every other thing strength and quality you bring to the table, you are sources of inspiration.
You’re helping to build inclusive, supportive and thriving workplaces and communities, for the benefit of all Australians.
You’ve stepped for Australia. Now you’re finding ways to lift up the nation.
I thank you all.