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***Check against delivery*** MATT DORAN: One person who knows about service extremely well is Defence Minister, Linda Reynolds. Good Morning. Your family has a proud military history – your grandfather served in Gallipoli, you were in the Reserves. How are you feeling this morning about the way Australians have responded to this very different Anzac Day? LINDA REYNOLDS:

Today we commemorate the ANZACs who took the fight to the enemy in the Great War and who fought bravely and died for our freedoms. We also honour the generations of courage, sacrifice, and self-service of the Australian servicemen and women who embody the ANZAC spirit. The Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie said on Anzac Day he would reflect on the legacy of those who have served our nation and on his own service, as we look to the challenges of the future.

One hundred and six years ago, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula.The landing was part of the ill-fated Dardanelles Campaign – the Allies’ attempt to break the stalemate on the Western Front by opening a second front that also sought to force Ottoman Turkey out of the war.Bitter fighting took place over the following months, resulting in dreadful casualties on both sides.With no chance of success, a withdrawal commenced; and in December that year, the remaining Australians were evacuated.

Anzac Day is of the deepest significance for our nation.  It is the day when we pause to remember the more than 2 million Australians who have served our nation at home and abroad, during times of war and peace.  An estimated 625 of those Australians were killed and some 1,600 were wounded along the Kokoda Track in the Second World War. The fighting along the Track was some of the most challenging in the Second World War.

In 1918, at her home in Botany, Sydney, Jessie Hickson received a knock on the door. A clergyman delivered the news that every parent of the time dreaded. Jessie’s son had been killed in action in the Great War. Private Warwick Hickson was an organ builder who became a soldier in June 1916. 

“They never gave up the fight. They never admitted defeat. They never asked for help.” These were the words of war correspondent Osmar White writing from the Kokoda Track in September 1942.

109 years ago; on this day, at this time, at this place, the spirit of Anzac was born.  Millions of Australians and New Zealanders have already risen this morning to attended services across our nations – to pay their respects, to express their gratitude and to identify with an intangible that they would describe as the spirit of Anzac. That spirit has its source in the events that occurred right here in 1915 at this cove, on this peninsula. 

As the sun pierces the horizon a new day dawns. But for Australians April 25 is no ordinary day. Across Australia and the world, Australians gather at dawn in solemnity to pay our respects to and to thank those who have served our nation, particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  The dawn represents ANZAC. The moment our diggers landed on the beach at Gallipoli.

I would like to thank the Wathaurong people, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet this morning. Can I acknowledge Christine Couzens, the member for Geelong. On this day we remember those who have worn, and continue to wear, our nation's uniform. Anzac Day was inspired by the First World War where those who first put on our nation's uniform did so imagining that it would be a ticket to the adventure of a lifetime.

Anzac Day is a significant commemoration in the Australian national calendar, and a time to remember and honour the efforts of our service men and women in war and peace. While the traditional public commemorative ceremonies and Anzac Day marches have been cancelled this year due to the global pandemic, today we pause in respectful yet more private ways to honour those who have served Australia on military and peacekeeping operations for more than a century.

On 25 April 1917, a Sydney newspaper reflected on the burgeoning Anzac tradition.  It said it was, “a tradition to be treasured. It means much in a time of crisis.” Two years after the landings on Gallipoli, Australia and the world remained in a state of crisis.  Across the country, people feared for their loved ones on active service. 

THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE: Our friendships are often tested in times of trial. We remember friends who stick close during adversity.  My grandfather, Flight Lieutenant Norman Hastie DFC, knew adversity aboard a RAAF Catalina on 31 March 1945 during a dangerous air-sea rescue mission. 

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today encouraged defence industry employees to apply for the 2018 Defence & Industry Study Course (DISC) by 16 February. Minister Pyne said DISC is a highly commended course that focuses on capability development, acquisition and sustainment. “Participants will see demonstrations of the latest military equipment, engage with Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel with recent operational experience, and visit Defence bases, and industry manufacturing and technology facilities,” Minister Pyne said.

Veterans' Health week is an important opportunity for Australians to reflect on the service and sacrifices of veterans and veteran families, and acknowledge that sometimes, this service can take its toll on their health and wellbeing. This year, Veterans’ Health Week 2023 is focused on “Mental Wellness Matters”, encouraging veterans and veteran families to renew their focus on maintaining good mental health and seeking support when it’s needed.

Australian businesses who want to expand their defence industry operations by taking their products and services to the world are invited to apply for inclusion in the 2020 Australian Military Sales Catalogue. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said the Australian Military Sales Catalogue’s purpose is to promote world class, Australian origin goods and services to foreign governments. “The Morrison Government is building a stronger, more sustainable and globally competitive Australian defence industry,” Minister Price said.   

I am honoured to be appointed today as Minister for Defence Industry in the Government and look forward to growing Australia’s support of our armed forces and creation of more jobs for Australians. The Australian Government is committing $200 billion over the next decade (to 2028-29) to keep Australians safe by investing in our defence capability - the largest build-up of the Australian military in our peacetime history.

I am very pleased to be asked by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to serve as Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. I look forward to continuing to advance Australia’s interests around the world, following the outstanding work of my friend and colleague the Hon Julie Bishop MP over the past five years. 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Justin Bassi to the position of Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI).  Mr Bassi was selected from a strong field of candidates, based on his significant national security experience and wide networks.

The Australian Government is pleased to recommend to His Excellency, the Governor-General, a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Subject to the Governor-General’s consideration and approval, the changes will take effect in July 2024. 

The Albanese Government has recognised the significant role of families in supporting ADF members by upgrading the Defence Family Advocate role to be full-time, with the appointment of Ms Charlotte Webb as the new head of Defence Families of Australia. I congratulate Charlotte Webb on her appointment as the Defence Family Advocate.

Joint Media Release: Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP Professor Tanya Monro has been appointed as the Chief Defence Scientist. She will lead Defence Science and Technology group at a time of increasing requirements for scientific and technology to advance Defence capability.

Joint Media Release The Hon Scott Morrison MPPrime Minister The Government is pleased to announce that Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, will be Australia’s next Chief of Air Force. The appointment was made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Government for a period of four years from 4 July 2019. Air Marshal Hupfeld is currently serving as the Chief Joint Operations and has extensive leadership and operational experience through senior positions including Air Commander Australia and Head Force Design.

David Johnston has been appointed as the first Australian Defence Export Advocate. This role will provide international advocacy on behalf of local defence industry to help secure export sales and contracts. Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, congratulated Mr Johnston on his appointment and looked forward to working closely with him to help secure export successes for Australia’s defence industry. “This appointment will greatly expand the Government’s reach in promoting Australia’s world class defence industry,” Minister Pyne said.

Today the Albanese Government takes another step forward in implementing the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) with the appointment of Major General Natasha Fox, AM, CSC, as the inaugural Chief of Personnel in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The next step has been taken in the Federal Government’s efforts to combat suicide in veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force with the appointment of the interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester welcomed the announcement made by the Attorney-General Christian Porter today appointing Dr Bernadette Boss CSC to this important role.

Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan today announced Ms Jane McAloon had been appointed National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council. The Defence Reserves Support Council provides an important link between the Australian Defence Force, employers, industry groups and other peak bodies in the wider community from which Defence Reservists are drawn. It promotes the benefits of Reserve service to the business community and develops partnerships with employers that facilitate Reservists’ contribution to Defence capability.

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP today announced the appointment of two new Board members to the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) Advisory Board. The new members are Mr Chris Williams, Managing Director of H.I. Fraser, and Ms Christine Zeitz, Managing Director of Leidos Australia. Both Mr Williams and Ms Zeitz have extensive experience working in the defence industry and a strong understanding of defence supply chains, and will make valuable contributions to the Advisory Board.

Joint media release Minister for Defence, The Hon Christopher Pyne MP Minister for Defence Industry, The Hon Steven Ciobo MP Mr Anthony Fraser, AO, CSC has been appointed as the head of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) in the Department of Defence. He will lead CASG at a time of unprecedented investment in Australian Defence capability.

The keel of the first Arafura class offshore patrol vessel has officially been constructed on time and on budget. More than 50 tonnes of Australian steel has been assembled at Osborne Naval Shipyard, satisfying the contractual requirement for keel construction of the lead ship. The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the milestone was a further demonstration of Australian industry’s ability to deliver on schedule.

  The Royal Australian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels will be named the Arafura class, with the first ship entering service in 2022 being named HMAS Arafura. Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, welcomed the announcement of the name Arafura, reflecting the strong connection between the Navy and the maritime waters it patrols. “Assigning a name to a warship is a significant milestone in the introduction of a new capability,” Minister Pyne said.