As 2025 comes to a close, on behalf of all our Parliamentary colleagues and the people of Australia, we extend our deep gratitude and warm wishes to the serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families for another year of exemplary service.
This Christmas we thank all of those serving both at home and abroad. Your hard work, service and sacrifice is deeply valued.
From the high seas of the Indo-Pacific to the deserts of the Middle East, the skies of Europe to our country's most remote regions - across the domains of land, sea, air, space and cyber - our ADF personnel have worked every day to keep Australians safe and secure.
This year, as we saw the global rules‑based order come under increased pressure, the ADF has stepped up.
- Over 3,100 Ukrainian personnel have now graduated from ADF-delivered training in the United Kingdom; and ADF personnel deployed to Europe to protect humanitarian and military corridors into Ukraine as they battle Russian invasion under Operation Kudu.
- ADF personnel supported evacuation efforts in the Middle East to airlift Australians and their families to safety.
- More than 40,000 personnel from 19 countries and two observer nations took part in our biggest ever Exercise Talisman Sabre - demonstrating how we integrate closely with international partners and respond to a rapidly evolving strategic environment.
- The ADF built closer ties with our Pacific neighbours and ASEAN partners, patrolled the waters of our shared region, helped build naval capability and supported the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.
In 2025 our ADF personnel also served at home during some of the most challenging times for Australians. During natural disasters - including this year in the Northern Rivers, across Queensland and beyond - the ADF supported communities, helped search for missing persons, and supported emergency services in their vital work.
From our outback towns, our northern borders and our garrison towns and cities, the ADF are an invaluable part of many Australian communities and part of the very fabric of our nation. They embody the best of Australia and Australians.
We acknowledge the selfless sacrifice and the separation from family and loved ones while on deployment, especially at Christmas. Service is experienced by the entire family, and our ADF families are an integral part of defending our nation. Thank you for your support for your loved one to serve, and your sacrifice.
At this time of year in particular, we encourage everyone to check in with their friends and families. Support services are available, including through Open Arms.
People are the ADF's most important capability. It is an honour to be the ministerial team who have the privilege of overseeing the work of the Australian Defence Force, to be the ministers responsible for facilitating this mission of great service, and whose leadership and courage we hope to emulate.
We thank you and we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Merry Christmas.
