Speech delivered on 11 December, Australian Defence Force Academy

Air Marshal Robert Chipman, AO, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, senior members of the Australian Defence Force and members representing defence forces worldwide.  

Brigadier Troy Francis, Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy; Professor Emma Sparks, Rector of UNSW Canberra; Professor Attila Brungs, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of New South Wales; members of the diplomatic corps, including representatives from the countries of cadets graduating today, including Pakistan, Fiji, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Today, we will see 18 graduates from eight countries—a remarkable achievement.

I’d also like to acknowledge a very important predecessor of mine and a former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove—a great honour for all graduating today to have their presence.

Graduands, it’s all about you. But, importantly, I want to acknowledge your parents, your families, your partners and friends who have loved and supported you all your lives and will continue to support you throughout your distinguished military careers.

As the daughter of a veteran—a retired colonel who graduated from Duntroon in 1955—I deeply appreciate and understand the extraordinary support that you have received from your families and friends, and they will continue to do that across your careers and your lives. You could feel it in the cheers that came up in the march past. It was wonderful to hear you congratulated by those closest to you.

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we gather on today and recognise all other people and families with connections to the lands of Canberra and the region. I pay respects to Elders past and present. I also acknowledge all First Nations people here today, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served in Australia’s Defence Force from the First World War to the present day.

Class of 2025: congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your defence careers. As you know, your time at ADFA has been both inspiring and demanding. You have built character, fortitude and integrity and gained great knowledge and skills.

As your Commander-in-Chief and as Governor-General, with three aides-de-camp—one from each of the three services—I get to see firsthand the calibre of people who graduate from ADFA. I have the privilege to see your exceptional qualities and capacity to lead. You will all go far.

The University of New South Wales has guided you through a world-class education in disciplines ranging from engineering, cyber security, science and business to international studies, history and literature. You have also undergone very rigorous military training, readying you for your diverse careers in our modern defence force.

You have prepared yourselves to live ADFA’s motto: to lead, to excel. You have learned to be leaders who will work for peace and stability, who will make ethical and helpful decisions, who will prioritise human life and dignity and always act with compassion and care.

You embody the ADF values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence. I believe these values will guide you throughout your careers—not as abstract ideals, but as the foundation of trust, teamwork, service, loyalty and duty.

One of the most powerful aspects of your training has been the experience of serving alongside colleagues from Navy, Army and Air Force and the many different countries and cultures graduating today. This joint and multinational cohort is more than a network—it is your family. These are the people and experiences you’ll draw on over the many years ahead, and they’ll strengthen and sustain you in our modern Australian Defence Force.

And because he’s here, I’d like to quote him. Ten years ago, Sir Peter Cosgrove addressed the Class of 2015:

“Take a moment to remember why you joined up in the first place, because the things that drove you to get this far will persist in you throughout your careers. And when all is said and done, it is you—your character, your motivation and your desire—that is the inspiration, the beating heart of all militaries.”

Those words remain as true today. The character of our modern Defence Force reflects your character, just as it reflects and serves the character of modern Australia—diverse, optimistic, resilient and respectful.

As you graduate today, you carry a weight of expectation from your commanding officers and those who will be under your command, from your colleagues, communities, and families, and from the Australian people who trust you to defend us. But you also importantly take with you our gratitude and our deep respect for the choice that you have made—a career of service in the profession of arms.

Australians will look to you for your care, your leadership, your commitment and service on all of our behalf. Standing on this magnificent parade ground today, thank you for doing it so brilliantly.

You have already achieved so much. We are proud of you and your accomplishments. As your careers progress. Care for yourselves and those you serve alongside. Be curious about the world. Always listen deeply, especially to the views that challenge you—these are always learning moments. Be guided by your true north, supported by all your training here and by the values of your profession: service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.

Class of 2025, on behalf of all Australians, I’m delighted to congratulate you all on this momentous achievement. Well done.