Now in their eighth year, the awards continue to highlight the significant contribution Australian veterans and families make to the civilian workforce, recognising those who are opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping veterans and partners in their civilian careers.

The annual awards delivered by the Albanese Government’s Veteran Employment Program recognise veteran and veteran partner employees, entrepreneurs and employers for their incredible contributions every day.

This year, there are nine categories covering individual employees, employer organisations and collaborations, comprising:

• Veteran Employee of the Year;

• Partner Employee of the Year;

• Veteran and/or Partner Entrepreneur of the Year;

• Small Employer of the Year;

• Medium Employer of the Year;

• Large Employer of the Year;

• Best Regional Veteran Employment Initiative;

• Best Veteran Employment Commitment Initiative; and

• Champion of Veteran Employment

The awards are just one way the Albanese Government’s VEP continues to promote veteran employment.

Nominations close 25 July 2025. For more information on the awards and how to nominate, visit the Veteran Employment Program website: www.veteransemployment.gov.au/awards 

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said the awards highlighted the valuable contribution veterans make to organisations and the skills gained from ADF service.

“The Albanese Labor Government recognises and respects hardworking veterans and the organisations who support them, and the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards are just one way we are doing this,” Minister Keogh said.

“This is not only about recognising organisations that are doing their best to support our veterans and veteran partners, but also individual employees who have made significant contributions to the civilian workforce.”

Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Blair community can be proud of the support provided to former defence personnel and families, who bring a wide range of knowledge and skills with them and contribute to the local economy.

“We have many outstanding veteran employers here in Blair, such as TAE Aerospace and CAE Australia, particularly in the defence industry space,” Mr Neumann said.

“Indeed, organisations with a big presence in Ipswich, like RSL Queensland, Wounded Heroes, Rheinmetall, Saab and Boeing, have all taken out Veteran Employment Awards in the past.

“I want to encourage people in the community to nominate individuals and organisations they know - or nominate themselves - for these prestigious awards.”