I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet, and pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.
As Australians we have the unique privilege of sharing this continent with the world’s oldest continuous culture.
That is a source of pride, for all of us.
Distinguished guests, my fellow Australians.
Every year, on the eve of our national day, we honour the people who represent our national values.
The hard work and aspiration that have built our prosperity.
The courage and resilience that carry us through adversity.
The creativity and genius that have changed our country – and our wider world – for the better.
And the kindness, service and sense of community that bind us together as Australians.
These are the values that draw together our nominees for 2026, just as they defined the class of 2025.
I want to take a moment to recognise the extraordinary contribution our outgoing winners have made to our nation:
Our Local Heroes: Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello.
Young Australian of the Year: Dr Katrina Wruck.
Senior Australian of the Year: Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett AM.
And of course, the 2025 Australian of the Year, the remarkable Neale Daniher AO.
Tonight, I announce our Government will be partnering with FightMND to create the Neale Daniher MND Clinical Network.
Helping more Australians with motor neurone disease to access treatment, trials and care.
Neale, your courage and advocacy has brought hope to so many – and we will ensure your work continues to change lives.
An enduring truth of our national story is that the worst of times reveal the best of the Australian character.
We have seen that again this summer in the bravery of communities battling the devastation of floods and bushfires.
People working together and looking after each other.
And we saw it, beyond measure, at Bondi.
People risking their own lives to save others.
Australians matching their words of love, with acts of kindness and unity.
Just as all of us draw inspiration from honouring you, our Australians of the Year, I have asked the Governor General to create a Special Honours List, so people can nominate the heroes of Bondi for formal recognition.
On Australia Day, we reflect on how lucky we are to live in the best country on earth.
Yet this nation we cherish and all that we have achieved together is not the product of luck.
Our democracy, our prosperity, our commitment to fairness and opportunity have been built, enriched, defended and strengthened over generations.
By people of every background and tradition, people united by their love of this country, their optimism for their future and their determination to shape it.
125 years ago, our Commonwealth was born in that spirit of national unity, in the understanding we are stronger together.
All of us belong to that story – together, we will write the next chapter in it.
And when we consider the uplifting example of the nominees here tonight.
We have every reason to be optimistic about Australia’s future.