Australia Day is a time to reflect on our nation’s achievements and challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to honour the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in its defence. While we enjoy the freedoms this great nation offers, we must not forget those who stand ready to defend these values at significant personal cost.
Without their efforts, our future existence would be at risk. Supporting and celebrating these individuals is not just a gesture of gratitude; it is essential for our national security. As fewer people are willing to enlist, both our national morale and defence capabilities face significant challenges. This concerning trend underscores the urgency for collective action to reverse it.
Today, Australia faces one of its most uncertain strategic environments since World War II. Global tensions, from the war in Ukraine to conflicts in the Red Sea and Gaza, alongside domestic security challenges, highlight the critical need for preparedness. This readiness comes with sacrifices that are often hidden from public view.
Even in peacetime, the dangers are real. Training for war demands rigorous exercises, and tragically, these have claimed lives. Over the past 18 months, we have lost five brave individuals: Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon of the 2nd Commando Regiment, and Captain Daniel Lyon, Corporal Alexander Naggs, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, and Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock of the 6th Aviation Regiment. Their sacrifice underscores the daily risks inherent in service.
These losses are not just statistics. They are fathers, husbands, and sons, leaving behind grieving families who face an uncertain future. Five children now grow up without a father, and two mothers bear the weight of raising them alone. While government support is immediate, it often falls short in addressing long-term needs. This is where organisations like the Commando Welfare Trust step in, ensuring these families receive the care they deserve.
As geopolitical challenges grow, so too does the toll on our Defence Force members. Beyond physical dangers, the demands of service have lasting impacts on mental health. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide highlights sobering statistics: permanent ADF members are nearly six times more likely to have suicide-related contact with police or paramedics compared to their reserve or ex-serving counterparts. Despite this, many hesitate to seek help, underscoring the urgent need for proactive support.
An emerging concern is the impact of blast exposure, particularly Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Often termed an “invisible injury,” mTBI results from repeated exposure to explosions, leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. Research in the United States has identified alarming links between blast exposure, resulting in lifelong damage such as early-onset dementia, depression, suicide, chronic pain, and severe emotional distress, which impact relationships with loved ones. Experts predict that Australia may face a tidal wave of cases in the coming years and worry about our ability to deal with it.
The implications of mTBI for Australia remain uncertain, but the warnings are clear. We must act swiftly to prevent injuries during training, prepare to address emerging cases, and provide ongoing support for affected personnel.
Addressing these contemporary issues demands awareness, resources, and a commitment to ensuring that no soldier is left behind.
It is our shared responsibility to ensure that those who serve receive the recognition, support, and resources they deserve. By honouring their contributions, we reaffirm the values they so tirelessly protect and secure a strong, united future for our nation.