Doorstop Interview - Vietnam Veterans' Day Commemoration, Canberra

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 The Hon Matt Keogh MP Minister for Veterans' Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel DOORSTOP INTERVIEW, VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY COMMEMORATION TUESDAY, 18 AUGUST 2026 Vietnam Veterans’ Day Minister could you tell me what you think the importance is of days like today and services like today? MATT KEOGH, MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL: Well, Vietnam Veterans Day is a very significant day of commemoration, remembering those Australians who went to fight in Vietnam, many of whom obviously were part of the National Service Scheme as well.

And like any significant day of commemoration, it's important that we, as a nation, stop and think about those who put on our nation's uniform for Australia, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. But of course, many of whom came back with physical as well as mental injuries as well. How important is it now that we give this respect to the veterans?

We heard the Governor General obviously speak. It was an incredibly unpopular war at the time. How much do you think Australians' attitudes have changed, and how important is that?

I think these days of commemoration are particularly important because they're about recognising the service and sacrifice of the individuals who put on our nation's uniform to fight in conflict or when they're involved in peacekeeping. And it's not about the political decision behind why they were sent to be involved in those conflicts, or the nature of the geopolitical situation.

It's about recognising that at a real human level, that personal sacrifice and commitment to our nation of those individuals, and of course the families that support them as well, that they did something brave and heroic on behalf of our nation, and they deserve our respect and our support. To remember those who died, to remember and to recognise the injuries of those, both seen and unseen, that have come home, and to support them when they've come home and their families as well.

One of the remarks today from one of our religious dignitaries was speaking to that of peace and how we speak of peace in past wars, but there are still conflicts going on across the world that Australia plays some part in. What did you think about that remark today? I think everybody always would like to see peace across the world, and that's something that Australia has contributed to in many ways.

And as was also mentioned here, it's not just about Australia's involvement in conflict, like the Vietnam War, but Australia has had a long tradition of being engaged in peacekeeping operations around the world as well. Using our Australian Defence Force personnel in the name of peace is an important part of how Australia has played its role on the world stage, as well as playing a diplomatic role in trying to secure peace and security for our region and around the world at different times.

And I think everybody would certainly share the sentiments of what we heard today about we crave a world with peace, but it's important that we're prepared for conflict as well as that may occur. Media contact Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485 [email protected] Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 Open Arms website Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072 Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 Defence Health Portal Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608