Good morning all on a beautiful Canberra morning. I suspect we are all grateful for the fog having lifted this morning, which perhaps is a wonderful description of what happens when Legacy also comes to families and provides assistance to them.

It’s an honour for me to be here for the National Launch of Legacy Week.

I also begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people, their Elders past, present and emerging, and pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have served and continue to serve our nation with distinction.

Matt [Anderson PSM, Director of the Australian War Memorial] didn’t cover my speech but he did do a wonderful job of introducing all the guests here. I would just acknowledge Minister Khalil, Minister Chester, chiefs and their representatives. But perhaps most importantly the Legatees as well for the service that you too provide, but a little bit more from me on that in a moment.

We know the profound impact that service can have on people. We see the names of those who gave their lives on the Roll of Honour here, and the veterans who return home without their health – bearing physical and mental scars. We remember those who sacrificed their future for us every day, and as a community particularly on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

We also know this cost is borne by their families. Families whose futures have also changed because of service. A future they dreamed and planned. A future with their parent’s guidance and support.

The grief that the loss, injury or illness of a loved one causes the families of our people is something that too many of us have seen.

Thankfully, the families of our veterans are able to call on the support of Legacy and Legatees during their time of need. For 102 years, Legacy has provided care and support for the families whose loved ones sacrificed their lives or health.

One such story is that of Leniece, and her sons Harry and Riley.1 Leniece’s husband, Rick, was a Sergeant in the Royal Australian Air Force with 24 years of service. In March last year, Rick suffered a heart attack and sadly passed away. At only 48 years old and seemingly healthy, his death came as a shock, and left Leniece to balance full-time work with raising two children alone.

Following Rick’s passing, Leniece connected with Legacy – and her Legatee, Gail – who has helped Leniece with her advocacy claims and financial assistance – covering costs of school supplies and sports activities for Harry and Riley.

Leniece’s story demonstrates how the support provided by Legacy and its Legatees, like Gail, has a direct and very personal impact. As Australia’s ‘only national organisation dedicated to solely supporting the families of veterans,’2 Legacy is a standout ex-service organisation.

Defence is extremely proud to share a close association with Legacy. We share a common goal to honour veterans and support their families, and you will see Defence personnel actively contributing to Legacy through fundraising events and volunteer efforts, like Martin Plaza.

Recently, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has given us an opportunity to learn and reflect on the issues and risks that affect the wellbeing of our serving and ex-serving members. We know that systemic reform is needed to better support our people.

Highlighted within the Royal Commission was the important role that ex-service organisations play, with many of them ‘seen as refuges, safe places where ex-serving members feel supported and understood.’3 It is this sense of community and personalised care that makes ex-service organisations, like Legacy, such a valuable support resource for veterans and their families.

The work that Legacy does is wide reaching – supporting more than 28,000 individuals and families across Australia.4 For all of those people, the badge has a big impact.

Having started in 1942 as the War Orphans Appeal, Legacy Week’s Badge Day is one of Australia’s oldest and largest street appeals. This longevity and success shows the reverence with which our nation holds our veterans and their families.

This Legacy Week, Legatees around Australia will once again be selling these badges to raise funds for families whose loved ones came home injured, or never came home at all.

I encourage all Australians to purchase and to wear a badge to acknowledge and support the families of our veterans.

I thank everyone who is here today for your support, and those similarly working around the country to support Legacy. But in particular, you the Legatees – your compassion and generosity makes a real, tangible difference to the lives of so many people.

It is now my great honour to launch Legacy Week 2025.

Thank you.