Supporting the long-term wellbeing of veterans and their families is a key focus of the Albanese Government. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide identified the transition from full-time ADF service to civilian life as a key pressure point for many in the veteran community. A good job with a supportive employer can ease that pressure and underpin a successful transition for veterans and families of veterans. The Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards celebrate the exemplary workplaces providing ex-serving veterans with the opportunity to thrive using the unique skills and abilities acquired during their time in uniform. Winners for the 9th annual Awards, themed “Success beyond service”, were announced last night at the Australian War Memorial, showcasing the outstanding contribution veterans make to Australian workplaces. The Awards are a key initiative of the Australian Government’s Veteran Employment Program, delivered by the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, reflecting the Agency’s focus on supporting veterans and families of veterans to thrive beyond service. More than 620 organisations have now signed up to the Veteran Employment Commitment program, up from just under 500 last year. This year’s finalists and winners demonstrate how service life can strengthen civilian workplaces and communities, creating lasting value and success. Congratulations to all 2026 winners, finalists and nominees. Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:
“I have the greatest respect for our veterans. “Our veterans have served our country with courage and distinction. When they leave the Defence Force, they still have so much to offer. “These awards recognise employers who are backing our veterans and recognising the skills and experience they bring to the workplace. Congratulations to the winners and finalists.” Quotes attributable to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh: “It is great to see more and more workplaces right across the country sign up to the Veteran Employment Commitment.” “A good job in a supportive workplace can make all the difference for veterans navigating one of the most transformative periods of their lives as they transition out of the ADF. “Well done to the winners and finalists in this year’s awards for all you do for the veteran community and example you’re providing to other workplaces.” A full list of the 2026 winners is below:
- Veteran Employee of the Year: Nick Marcovich, Conscia
- Partner Employee of the Year: Jacinta Matthews, M2T Solutions
- Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year: Allan Dundas, DEWC Services
- Partner Entrepreneur of the Year: Kylie Bonnor, Major Breakthroughs
- Best Veteran Employment Commitment Initiative: Boeing Australia
- Small Employer of the Year: Core Defence Australia
- Medium Employer of the Year: M2T Solutions
- Large Employer of the Year: Thales Australia
- Best Regional Veteran Employment Initiative: Port Macquarie Hastings Council
- Champion of Veteran Employment: Soldier On
WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2026
