MEDIA RELEASE: Minister Keogh - Nominations open for the 2026 Prime Minister's National Veteran Employment Awards
Department of Veterans' Affairs
OFFICIAL
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
16 June 2026
Nominations open for the 2026 prime minister’s National veteran employment awards
Employment plays a critical role in the wellbeing of veterans and families of veterans as they transition out of fulltime service in the ADF.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards, which recognise excellence in veteran and partner employment across Australia.
Now in their ninth year, the Awards promote best practice, encourage employer participation and showcase the contribution veterans and their partners make to Australia’s economic and social wellbeing.
Themed Success Beyond Service, nominations for the 2026 awards are open across nine categories:
- Veteran Employee of the Year
- Partner Employee of the Year
- Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year
- 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
- Champion of Veteran Employment
Nominations close on 31 July, 2026 with winners announced later in the year at a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Awards form part of the Albanese Government’s broader work to better support veterans and families throughout their Defence service, and as they transition to civilian life.
From 1 July the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency will begin operations with a focus on transition, and better connecting veterans and their families with support services.
To learn more about the 2026 Prime Minister’s Veteran Employment Awards or submit a nomination, visit: www.veteransemployment.gov.au/awards.
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