Anzac Day was marked across Australia today, with dawn services, wreath-laying ceremonies and community gatherings drawing thousands to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have served.
At the national level, the Prime Minister invoked the traditional Ode, stating, “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.”
Across the country, political leaders attended services and addressed local communities, reinforcing the day’s place in Australia’s civic calendar. Opposition leader Angus Taylor said, “Honoured to attend Camden’s Anzac Day Dawn Service, always a moving tribute. We remember all who have served, past and present, across every uniform. Your courage, sacrifice and commitment have shaped the nation we are today. Lest we forget.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the day as a pause in the national rhythm. “Anzac Day is a solemn day for our state and for our country. A day where we recognise the contribution of servicemen and servicewomen to Australia, and what we enjoy because of their courage and their sacrifice,” he said. “Every year, we stop. We put aside the day-to-day and properly reflect on the Australians who stepped forward when it mattered most.”
He added, “Young people who signed up to a job that asks more than most of us will ever be asked to give. To leave their families. To live with danger. And sometimes, tragically, to not come home. We still ask people to do that today. And the truth is, we always will.”
Minns said the day also carries a broader responsibility. “But days like today should also make us think carefully about what that means. About the decisions that put Australians in harm’s way and about the responsibility that comes with asking people to serve. Because honouring that sacrifice isn’t just about remembering it. It’s about taking it seriously. Taking seriously the cost of conflict. And the importance of peace. That’s how we show respect.”
He concluded, “And when people do step forward, we owe them more than words. We owe them support when they come home. We owe their families recognition for what they carry, and we owe it to them to build a country that lives up to what they gave. This is a day to pause. To reflect. And to remember. Lest we forget.”
In Victoria, Premier Jacinta Allan addressed both the legacy of Gallipoli and events at the Shrine of Remembrance. “The men who landed at Gallipoli were young, strong, brave Australians and New Zealanders. They had families, futures, lives ahead of them. And when their country called, they showed up. Not for recognition, not for reward. But out of a sense of duty, a sense of loyalty, out of a belief in this place.”
She said, “We should also remember the many who did not come home. Their sacrifice helped build the country we live in today. Free, stable, welcoming. A place where people can build a life, raise a family and look ahead with confidence. Lest we forget.”
Referring to disruption at a Melbourne service, Allan said, “The disruption of this morning’s Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance was not only disgraceful – it’s a betrayal of everything Anzac Day stands for. A moment meant for silence and reflection was deliberately broken. To shatter it with boos is not protest. And it is certainly not patriotism. It is pure disrespect.”
She added, “And to direct that at a Welcome to Country – at Aboriginal servicemen and women who served this nation – is as ignorant as it is shameful. Anzac Day is not a stage for division. It is about service. Mateship. Sacrifice. And we will never let a hateful few take that away.”
At the federal level, local members also marked the day within their communities. Libby Coker said, “Every Anzac Day, we honour all who have served in our name, and all who serve today. I was honoured to lay a wreath at the Leopold War Memorial today on behalf of our Corangamite community. Lest we forget.”
Zaneta Mascarenhas said, “Anzac Day is a time to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to those who served our country with pride. We honour the sacrifices that have helped protect our way of life and our values, and the legacy they have left for generations. Lest we forget.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli marked the day in Townsville, stating, “We rise at dawn to remember them. Starting the day alongside thousands of Queenslanders in Townsville – Australia’s largest garrison city. Lest we forget.”
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson also reflected on the historical and cultural meaning of the day, saying, “I’m very sure the Australian soldiers who went ashore on that beach at Gallipoli in 1915 had little idea they were writing one of the most definitive chapters in the history of their young nation. Although we had already been a country in our own right for a few years, it’s arguable Australia came of age on that very first Anzac Day.”
Hanson concluded, “I’m a proud Australian and proud to commemorate Anzac Day. I’m always proud of the national spirit which defines the service and sacrifice of our veterans past and present.”
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook said the Perth dawn service remains a key moment for the community to show respect and reflect on those who have served. “The Perth ANZAC Day dawn service is an opportunity for everyone in the community to show their respect and to acknowledge those who have served our country,” he said, adding that it is “a day which deserves reverence and solemnity.”
He also addressed disruption at services, saying, “It was disgusting that a small number of people at the service booed as Noongar elder and veteran Di Ryder OAM was delivering an acknowledgement of country.” Cook said such behaviour “disrespects what our veterans fought for – a free, democratic and inclusive Australia,” and added that the broader community response showed unity and respect.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas echoed the national tone of remembrance, drawing on the traditional Ode. “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,” he said. “At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. On this Anzac Day, we will remember them. Lest we forget.”
Tasmania Premier Jeremy Rockliff marked the day with a brief message of reflection, saying, “At the going down of the sun And in the morning We will remember them. Lest We Forget.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said communities gathered in quiet reflection at dawn services across the Territory. “At dawn on the Esplanade this morning, we gathered in quiet reflection to mark Anzac Day,” she said, noting the shared silence and remembrance that continues to define the day.
Across the country, services concluded with the words that continue to anchor the day. Lest we forget.
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