OFFICIAL
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
14 February 2026
HONOURING OUR NASHOs 75 years on
Today, on National Serviceman’s Day, we mark 75 years since the inception of the first National Service Scheme.
We honour more than 280,000 men who were conscripted into national service during the National Service Training Scheme (1951-1959) and the National Service Scheme (1965-1972).
National Service was an integral part of Australia’s defence strategy during the Cold War period to increase defence manpower. It allowed Australia’s armed services, particularly the Army, to expand, providing the personnel for domestic and overseas defence commitments.
In a time when many Australians were weary of war, ‘Nashos’ put their lives on hold and stood ready to defend our nation.
For all national servicemen, compulsory military service was a major interruption to their young lives, one over which they had no control. Some felt like life moved on without them and many experienced challenges returning to the civilian world after their service.
Those who served in Australia were often separated far from home and loved ones. They underwent gruelling training, which particularly for the men of the 1965-72 scheme was long and often at odds with their regular lives. Men from this scheme also deployed to conflicts and operations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.
Tragically, national servicemen lost their lives. During both schemes, some men died while they were serving from such causes as accidents and illnesses. In the National Service Scheme, two men lost their lives in Borneo serving in the Confrontation and more than 200 lost their lives serving in Vietnam.
Regardless of whether service was voluntary or conscripted, in Australia or overseas, everyone who has served a day in our nation’s uniform is a veteran who deserves to be commemorated.
As part of the Government’s ongoing support for veterans, all former National Servicemen are eligible for treatment for service-related injuries or illnesses through the Veteran White Card.
National Servicemen who are eligible for Non Liability Health Care for mental health conditions are also able to access mental health and wellbeing support from Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling by contacting 1800 011 046.
As part of the reforms to veterans legislation, from 1 July 2026 all claims lodged by National Servicemen will be investigated and determined under the MRCA.
This includes those who rendered part-time service in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF). This means veterans with high levels of impairment may, for the first time, be able to qualify for Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP) and a MRCA Gold Card. Whilst you can start the process of gathering documents to apply under the MRCA, it is important to note that only claims from 1 July 2026 will be able to be considered under this expanded eligibility.
At the national commemorative service held in Canberra today, we will thank all national servicemen and their families for their sacrifices and remember those who lost their lives.
Like those who served before them, Nashos served honourably and continued the Anzac spirit and legacy.
I encourage all Australians to take a moment today to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifices of our national servicemen.
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