29 April 2025
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where we meet this morning, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
I also acknowledge the service of the brave First Nations people who have defended Australia throughout its history, and who continue to do so today.
The RSM of the Army and I want to start by welcoming the families and friends of our graduates, the mothers, fathers, partners, children, relatives and loved ones.
Thank you for entrusting your loved one to us, and for supporting them throughout their lives to date and their service to date.
A special welcome to Your Excellencies, Heads of Missions, and to the ADF’s senior leaders: to Air Marshal Robert Chipman, the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, to Rear Admiral Matt Buckley representing the Chief of Navy, and to Air Vice Marshal Nicholas Hogan representing the Chief of Air Force.
To Army’s Generals and their RSMs, and to the Commandant and Staff of the Royal Military College – Duntroon.
And finally, welcome to you, our newest officers who are commissioning today, into the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Air Force and into the Armed Forces of our allies and partners. Well done on parade today.
Today is an important day and one you will always remember. Beyond the ceremony and graduation, today you are granted the privilege of commanding your fellow citizens – soldiers and aviators.
This is a profound responsibility, but one that also offers intrinsic rewards like no other – it can neither be bought nor bestowed, it can only be earned.
To be clear, your sole purpose as officers is to lead our soldiers in the defence of our nation.
Be in no doubt that you are ready to lead.
You are stood here on this parade ground today because of the character, competence and potential you have demonstrated throughout your training.
I have every faith and confidence in you. You ought to have confidence in yourselves.
And always remember, confidence is folly without humility. As you reflect on your graduation day, consider what you have learned about yourself – your strengths and your vulnerabilities – commit to working on both in equal measure.
To join the Army profession is to commit to life-long learning and self-development.
Hold in the front of your mind and in your heart the gravity of your chosen profession. War is undoubtedly the most demanding of human experiences – physically, mentally and spiritually.
In July 1944, on the beaches of Normandy, a platoon commander named Sydney Jary – a young officer much like yourselves – met his first platoon.
In his excellent memoire 18 Platoon, which I commend to you, he remembers one thing about that first meeting.
‘Their eyes implored me not to fail them’.
Jary immediately comprehended his responsibility, and so must you.
Your soldiers will look to you for your personal example. You must lead by example, in how you think, and what you say and do, every day.
In the coming years, some among your number may be asked to demonstrate physical courage. I am, however, certain that each of you will be required to demonstrate moral courage, and I trust that you will prevail in the face of these challenges.
Finally, I ask that as you march off the square today for the last time, you reflect for a moment on who you need to thank.
Take the time to thank those who have helped you to be here today, your families, friends and loved ones, your instructors, staff and your mentors.
I know they share in your achievements and they are so very proud of you.
I will conclude where I began by acknowledging and thanking your families.
To the Mums and Dads, husbands and wives, partners, sons and daughters, thank you for entrusting your loved ones to us. Thank you for your service.
Congratulations to you all, God speed, and good soldiering.