Good morning, everyone.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal People as the traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on, and other families and people with connection to the land in Canberra and surrounding regions. I acknowledge their elders, past and present.  

I would also like to acknowledge and welcome all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with us today. 

I acknolwedge

• H.E. Dame Sarah Macintosh, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom and the many members of the Diplomatic Corps here today

• Air Marshal Robert Chipman AO CSC, Vice-chief of Defence Force, senior leaders, cadets on parade and members of the Australian Defence Force

• I would also like to make a particularly warm welcome to my immediate predecessor General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Ret’d) and Mrs Hurley

• Distinguished guests

As a proud Australian, the daughter of a veteran, and your Commander-in-Chief and Governor-General, it is an honour to be here for my first Trooping of the King’s Colour.

I am especially delighted that my Father, retired Colonel Bill Mostyn MBE, himself a graduate of RMC-Duntroon and a proud member of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals which is marking its 100th anniversary this year, is with me today for my first Trooping of the King’s Colour.

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to reflect on the centenary with The Princess Royal, the Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps when we recently spent time together in Gallipoli. 

While my experience of the Australian Defence Force began in childhood, my connection now has a special and enduring resonance. 

And as every cadet on parade knows service is always supported by the care and love of parents and family, so I want to acknowledge the proud families with us today.

Let me begin by congratulating all on parade. I know today is a great honour for the staff cadets where you embody the legacy and spirit of those who have come before - honouring the king is proud service to Australia. 

As you know, the origins of the Trooping of the Colour are grounded in deep history – an acknowledgement of the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

A tradition dating back centuries and a cherished honour and tradition here at Duntroon. Colours were first presented to RMC in May of 1927 by the Duke of York, later to become King George VI. And the colours were first trooped here on the Queens Birthday Parade in 1956, and this has been preformed annually every year since. In its earliest time, in the 16th Century, each evening the regiments colours were escorted through the ranks of troops to ensure soldiers would be able to recognise these colours on the battle field. 

These traditions are the foundation of the modern ADF, where we see future leaders pursuing excellence and service to the nation. 

I have been privileged to witness and participate in ADF tradition as Commander-in-Chief …

… on Remembrance Day this year at the Australian War Memorial, when I announced the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross for Australia to Private Richard Norden for his service in Vietnam.

… in the dawn’s light on the eve of Anzac Day, when I stood in the cold water at Anzac Cove, and tried to imagine the thoughts of our first Anzacs 110 years ago, before delivering the Anzac Day address.

… and, earlier this year, in Townsville where I presented the Meritorious Unit Citation to all those deployed on Operation SOLACE, including my predecessor General Hurley, for the extraordinary achievements they made in Somalia.

Yet just as tradition is important, so too is modernity.

And it has been a privilege as your Commander-in-Chief to spend time with soldiers, sailors and aviators, senior leaders and modern veterans to understand the modern ADF.

When I was sworn-in as Governor-General, nearly 12 months ago, I spoke of Australia’s unique three-part story.

• 65,000 years of continuous Indigenous history and culture …    
• … of stability, equality and prosperity assured by the strength of our democracy and institutions of government …    
• … and our modern chapter of belonging, progress, and success, underpinned by remarkable multiculturalism.  Over half a century of immigration and refugee arrivals – over 7.5 million migrants and almost one million refugees.

That is the modern, diverse story that I was proud to show His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen on their visit to Australia in October. 

I know from His Majesty how impressed he was by what he saw here.

And, reviewing today’s parade, I see a modern defence force – for a modern, diverse and optimistic nation. 

A defence force connected around the globe and to the region – and I note the many international students on parade here today.

A defence force prepared for any eventuality but committed to upholding the peace – continuing our remarkable history of participating in international peacekeeping operations since 1947.

And a defence force, that is visible and trusted in our community in times of need.

I have undertaken as your Governor-General to put an unstinting focus on of the values of care, kindness and respect.  

Care for each other, care for those who care for others, care for our extraordinary continent and its environmental beauty, care for civics and institutions, and care for the way in which we discuss and debate the issues of our time without pre-judgement, rancour or anger.  

And I want to challenge the idea that care is something soft and yielding, lacking strategic purpose.  

Care is, in fact, accountable, measurable and critical to our success   – and we see it in you as soldiers, who have made a solemn commitment of service to our country. 

I know from conversations with CDF, defence leadership around the country and also with my Army Aide-de-Camp, Captain Katie Higgins, who is here with me today and from whom I have learnt so much, that care is pivotal to the modern ADF.

In you, as future leaders, care is to demonstrate strong leadership in tough situations, and to be watchful of the shadow you cast as a leader.

Care is to look after your mates, and to take care making decisions that directly affect the lives of soldiers.

With the privilege of command comes the responsibility to have a positive impact on those you lead and to demonstrate purposeful leadership in defence of our nation. 

So, congratulations for the skills and professionalism you have shown so exceptionally in today’s parade, and thank you, on behalf of all Australians, for choosing to serve.