Speech delivered on 1 March 2026 in Canberra.
I'd also like to start by acknowledging the Ngunnawal as traditional owners of the land that we meet on, and also recognise all the other people and families with deep and long-term connections to the lands of Canberra and the Territory. I pay my respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people who are here this evening, in particular to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women who are committed and deeply valued members of the Royal Australian Navy.
Thank you for also acknowledging the Yolgnu in your welcome. There are many people who know how close I am to the Top End, which I know so well. I've just come back from Darwin and had a similar experience with the Larrakia people. And these are very important relationships.
- Admiral David Johnson AC, Chief of Defense Force
- Vice-Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Chief of Navy
- Major-General Chris Smith DSC AM CSC, Deputy Chief of Army, representing Chief of Army
Now, of course, it's not being celebrated quite like this today, but today is also the Australian Army’s 125th birthday, and I am looking forward to also celebrating with Army in the weeks to come. - Air Marshal Steven Chappell DSC CSC OAM, Chief of the Air Force
- All of the senior leaders of the Australian Defense Force here today
- From the United States Navy, Vice-Admiral Patrick Hannifin, Commander of the US 7th Fleet, and Rear Admiral Douglas Adams, Director of AUKUS Integration and Acquisition and Undersea Warfare Systems
- All parliamentarians, particularly the Shadow Minister, who join us here today
- Professor Tanya Monroe AC, Chief Defense Scientist, Defense Science and Technology.
- Of course, Matt Anderson, PSM, Director of the Australian War Memorial, thank you for sharing this space with us tonight.
- I’d like to also acknowledge those here from Legacy, from Open Arms, as well as leaders from our education sector, defence industry, service women and men and veternas.
- You are all distinguished guests.
As Eric has done, I'd also like to have in our mind tonight those that are serving overseas, particularly in Middle East at this tense time.
I really am very delighted to be here this evening for what I think is a season of important celebrations of 125th birthday of the Royal Australian Navy.
Last year, I joined the Chief of Navy for the 124th celebrations at ADFA, and I was delighted to hand back Admiralty House – if only for one day – to the Chief of Navy and Admirals for a strategic planning day, during which I know the importance of this year's celebrations to the modern Navy was discussed.
In 2024, I had the immense honour to join Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla aboard the Admiral Hudson on Sydney Harbour to conduct a review of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet. In glorious Sydney sunshine, families of Australians gathered on shore and on the water to witness a spectacular showcase of naval strength, featuring the Hobart, Warramunga, Arunta, Gascoyne and Yarra. It was a magnificent display, and the honour was not lost on me being on board the Hudson to see it all standing by His Majesty.
I'm looking forward to an equally remarkable and historic occasion during the National Fleet Review taking place on Sydney Harbour later this month.
Today, as the Governor-General and as Commander-in-Chief, as the daughter of a veteran, I am proud to join all of you to pay tribute to the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice, the optimism and dedication inherent in Australia's modern Navy.
It is so appropriate in this profoundly important place of commemoration, that we gather this evening to honour legacy, preserve memory and celebrate extraordinary growth and achievement.
In 1901, Federation brought Australia into being as a nation, and the foundations of our national defence emerged at that time. From that moment, Australia has recognised the vital importance of our Navy, our sailors and the loved ones that support them.
Today, Australia looks outwards with confidence, sure of our maritime security. Australia engages with the world, trusting in our naval capability. And Australia welcomes the world in, proud of the strength, stability and prosperity assured by the readiness of our Navy.
Again in 1901, the newly appointed Federal Minister for Defence, Sir John Forrest, praised the zeal and patriotic spirit of the Commonwealth Naval Forces.
I have the privilege of seeing this same spirit of service, duty, care, kindness and respect up close, in the many places across the country and around the world where I have visited the Navy, serving our country and working in the cause of peace.
At Operation Talisman Sabre and Exercise Pitch Black …
at HMAS Creswell, Albatross and Kuttabul
… presenting the Gloucester Cup to HMAS Sydney and the Governor’s Cup to HMAS Harman …
I've observed the complexity of the modern naval context and the contribution of Navy to the present and to our future as a nation.
And, you would know this, that every day I'm supported in my work as the Governor-General by Navy personnel who, in their integrity, their energy, their devotion to service, represent the very best of the modern defence force.
I'm supported here today, and I'll embarrass her now, by Lieutenant Tiffany McCormack, my outstanding Navy Aide-de-Camp. Tiffany finishes her post in the coming weeks and will rejoin the Fleet with her role as an Aviation Warfare Officer. She, and the other young Defence personnel, represent the best of the Navy.
So many of you here tonight have showed remarkable leadership and will be an asset for Navy well into the future. She will be replaced, although we can’t really replace you, by Lieutenant Karsen Gilroy, who most recently has served as officer of the watch on the Young Endeavor, giving scores of young Australians their first taste of life at sea.
I was pretty thrilled to join the Young Endeavor for its last voyage, to witness the powerful experience of young people experiencing the sea in Navy for the very first time. And, in a very full circle moment, Tiffany's first experience with the Navy was on the Young Endeavor as a 16 year old, evidence of the power that experience and exposure to Navy can have on shaping a young person's career.
Coming from every background and across the country, on ship and on shore, our sailors reflect Australia as a modern, diverse, strong and successful nation.
In turn, they are supported by families and friends whose love and encouragement is what makes their service possible. As they have for generations, these are the people we must always honour whenever we speak of service to our nation.
Today, we celebrate the Royal Australian Navy’s 125 years as an enduring and powerful story of purpose, of devotion and commitment to service, to defend our country and uphold a global rules-based order, respectful of sovereignty and self-determination.
On behalf of all Australians, I want to thank you.
Thank you, deeply.
I want to thank all who serve and have served, and your families and those who stood alongside you.
Happy birthday, Navy.
Thank you all.