The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs the Hon Matt Keogh MP has announced nominations are now open for the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards. The Awards provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding veteran and partner employment achievements across Australia. Read the official media release.
From regional communities to capital cities, the Awards recognise contributions of veterans and partners to workplaces across Australia. They highlight the role of small, medium and large employers in delivering strong employment outcomes for veterans and partners, across a diverse range of industries and locations.
2026 theme: Success beyond service
The 2026 theme, Success beyond service, celebrates the achievements of veterans and partners beyond their Defence service and recognises the many ways they continue to contribute to Australia’s workforce and communities.
This year’s theme shines a light on veterans and partners who continue to strive for success in employment and entrepreneurship, as well as the organisations that recognise, value and support their ongoing contribution.
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‘We see a future where our society values service families not only because of what they do or have done for national security, but what they bring to local employers, communities and economies in their own right.’ Ron Kovalcik, Human Quotient Group, winner of Small Employer of the Year 2025 Prime Ministers National Veteran Employment Awards. |
By submitting a nomination, you help elevate these stories of achievement and impact. You raise awareness of effective veteran and partner employment practices and encourage others to build supportive workplaces where service continues beyond the ADF.
Why nominate?
Submitting a nomination is a chance to:
- recognise veterans and partners whose employment achievements deserve national recognition
- showcase effective recruitment, retention and workplace practices
- highlight the value of skills, developed through Defence service, in civilian industries
- contribute to a stronger and more connected veteran employment community.
Past award recipients have demonstrated the positive impact that inclusive employment can have on individuals, workplaces and communities. The 2026 awards build on these successes and aim to continue elevating best practice across Australia.
Award categories
The Awards include a range of categories recognising:
- veterans and partners in civilian employment
- employers demonstrating leadership in veteran and partner recruitment and retention
- initiatives that create supportive workplaces.
Full category details and eligibility criteria are available here.
How to nominate
Nominations are open to individuals and organisations, including employers from private and public sector organisations. You can nominate someone else or yourself. Submissions close 31 July. Find guidance on how to submit a strong nomination here.
Want to see past winners or learn more about the Awards? Explore here.
Together, we can recognise Success beyond service by valuing the contributions of veterans and partners that strengthen Australian workplaces.