International Women’s Day 2025

International Women’s Day (IWD) is 8 March. This year’s theme is March Forward: For all women and girls. It calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all. 

This IWD marks one-year since the Government released its 10-year plan for advancing gender equality, Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality (Working for Women). It provides a point to reflect on the achievements made to build a more equal Australia for everyone’s benefit.

Secretaries Board communique: 19 February 2025

The Secretaries Board met at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to discuss the following matters.

Strategic Outlook

The Board discussed government priorities, emerging risks and strategic issues including preparing for the 2025 general election.

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary, Department of Defence.

Australia’s delegation to the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

The 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City from 10 to 21 March 2025.

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s and girls’ human rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.  

Defence and Veterans' Service Commission

Recommendation 122 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide advised the Australian Government to establish a new statutory entity to oversee reform across the whole Defence ecosystem. This new entity is the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC).

The DVSC commenced operations on 29 September 2025. The DVSC will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.

Ms Penny McKay will act in the role of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner until the appointment of an inaugural Commissioner. Recruitment of the inaugural Commissioner is underway.

Contact the commission

The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission does not handle individual cases, claims, complaints or appeals. For enquiries into individual matters or to lodge a complaint, contact the organisation relevant to your concern.

If you would like to share information that could be of assistance to the DVSC when it considers future areas of inquiry relating to systemic concerns, you can contact the DVSC. Visit Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission for information on how to do this.

Australian Government response to the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s support for Ukraine

The Australian Government has released its response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Inquiry report into Australian support for Ukraine.

The government has accepted, in full or in part, 9 of the 22 recommendations; and noted 13 recommendations.

The government response is available at: Australian Government response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report: Inquiry into Australian support for Ukraine.

Fifty years of Australian honours and awards system

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours and awards system, which includes the Order of Australia, the Australian Bravery Decorations and the National Medal.

Founded on 14 February 1975, the honours and awards system was established to recognise the exceptional service and significant achievements of Australians from all walks of life.

Recipients of Australian honours and awards celebrated the milestone with Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, at Government House in Canberra.

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