Speech to the New Entry Officers’ Course 74 Graduation Parade, HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay

I am honoured to be with you today. 

As the sun rose this morning so, too, did dawn break on your future as officers in the Royal Australian Navy. 

Congratulations to you all. 

It is a privilege to be with you for this milestone moment. 

As graduates of the New Entry Officers’ Course 74, you have demonstrated the values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence that are the centrepiece of a modern Australian Defence Force. 

From July, when you were welcomed with a moving smoking ceremony on the Quarterdeck …

… through your example of teamwork and courage during Exercise Dardanelles … 

… your persistence during Exercise Sunda Strait … 

… and your endurance throughout Exercise Coral Sea … 

… you have upheld the example set by the members of HMAS Creswell’s first class of 1916, whose graduation was presided over by my predecessor, the 6th Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson. 

Those young sailors were farewelled to serve in the conflagration of the First World War. 

Today, with gratitude for their service and sacrifice, we celebrate your commitment to preserve the peace and stability of our nation.  

Custodians of their legacy, you have met the standards set by the Royal Australian Navy of 2024. 

As leaders, guides, defenders and peacemakers, you will maintain and enhance that standard through your deep sense of service, your commitment to your mates and your fierce determination to act with purpose in defence of our nation. 

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Here, on the shores of Jervis Bay, and surrounded by Booderee National Park, HMAS Creswell is part of the rich history of the Royal Australian Navy, and our nation’s heritage. 

It is the foundation on which you will build the Navy of tomorrow. 

Delivering the Remembrance Day address at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, I described the Australian Defence Force as a modern force, upholding the greatest of Australian values and reflecting the best of our nation. 

It was my privilege on Remembrance Day to announce the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Private Richard Norden for gallantry in action in Vietnam in May 1968 

This rare honour represents our ceaseless commitment as a nation to honouring the courage and selflessness of veterans, the bravery of generations of our service personnel, and those who continue to serve today. 

In answering that commitment, you will foster the trust of the Australian people as a pillar of your service.  

Pursuing sustaining, inspiring and fulfilling careers, you will contribute to a culture of wellbeing, integrity and transparency that supports you and your mates to live, serve and progress well. 

As members of the Australian Defence Force, your work of service contributes to upholding the pillars of our mighty Australian story:  

  • … 65,000 years of the world’s longest continuous culture, shared with us so generously by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people … 
  • … joined to the strong and free democratic institutions we celebrate and work so hard to preserve … 
  • … and Australia’s modern chapter of optimism, of belonging and of progress, underpinned by remarkable multiculturalism. 
  • In my swearing-in as your Governor-General, I spoke about the role 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 in the way in which we discuss and debate the issues of our time without judgement or rancour.   

Your service to the Australian people is a unique and mighty form of care. 

Everyday, with integrity, courage and honour … 

… in the sky, on land and at sea  

… in areas of great challenge and in zones for peacekeeping … 

… in protecting our border and working in support of the safety and progress of our nation and our region … 

… you demonstrate care for all Australians. 

And we are grateful.  

May this day of celebration bring you an enduring sense of pride in what you have attained, and a longstanding determination to maintain the standards of excellence, service and integrity you have achieved. 

Congratulations to you all.