The Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, has announced that a commemorative service was held today at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial in Canberra to pay tribute to Indigenous men and women who have proudly served the Australian nation. Mr Griffin was represented by Senator for the ACT, Senator Kate Lundy, at the ceremony. Mr Griffin said, "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian Defence Force share a common desire that has been encapsulated in the unified theme Protecting Country."

"Protecting Country embraces the everyday need to protect and preserve the basic elements of water, land and air that make up the continent of Australia. For the Australian Defence Force, these elements are reflected in the Navy, Army and Air Force and how all of them work together to defend our nation. Equally in a military context, Indigenous men and women have proudly served our nation since early colonial days, and have continued to serve in more recent times in peacetime, border protection and armed conflict roles," Mr Griffin said.

Senator Lundy said, "Today's commemorative service at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial in Canberra paid tribute to the important contribution that Indigenous Australians have made, and continue to make, to the Australian Defence Force".

"The commemoration, conducted as part of National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Committee celebrations throughout Australia, was a reaffirmation of the high regard held within the Australian Defence Force for the Indigenous Australians who have, and are serving their country. The service included a traditional welcome and smoking ceremonies offered by Indigenous Australians of Canberra and the region. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Defence personnel also contributed throughout the service," Senator Lundy said.

The Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Paul Symon, representing the Chief of the Defence Force, and Chaplain Ivan Grant officiated over the memorial service.