The annual Order of Australia Association – Australian Defence Force Oration is an initiative of the ACT Branch of the Order of Australia Association. The Oration was established in 2011 with the aim of further recognising the contribution made by military members of the Order of Australia to the fabric of Australian society. It continues to promote community awareness of the strategies, ways and means through which the ADF seeks to achieve its mission and purpose ‘to defend Australia and its national interests in order to advance Australia’s security and prosperity.’

The list of Orators and their subjects is:

2025. Admiral David Johnston AC, RAN, Chief of Defence Force: National Defence Strategy, Transformation of Capabilities and Defence Culture

2024. Lieutenant General Natasha Fox AO, CSC, Chief of Personnel for the ADF: Reforming and growing the ADF to ensure a highly capable professional military for Australia.

2023. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN, Chief of Navy: The strategic situation, contemporary issues for command and the critical role which the Royal Australian Navy will continue to play in the defence of the Nation.

2022. Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO, Chief of Army: Ready Now and Future Ready: The Australian Army in Service of the Nation

2021. Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC, Chief of Air Force: The Centenary of the RAAF, and our vision for the future

2020. Lieutenant General Greg Bilton AO, CSC, Chief of Joint Operations: Joint Operations

2019. General Angus Campbell AO, DSC, Chief of Defence Force: Building a Security Community in the Indo-Pacific

2018. Air Vice Marshal Warren McDonald AM, CSC, Chief of Joint Capabilities: Joint Capability – why, and where to from here?

2017. Vice Admiral Ray Griggs AO, CSC, RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force: For Society and of Society: Where the ADF sits in modern Australia

2016. Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO, CSC, RAN, Chief of Navy: The Navy and the Nation: the role of Navy in nation building

2015. Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC, Chief of Defence Force: Military mental health – from Gallipoli and shellshock to PTSD and beyond

2014. Air Vice Marshal Leo Davies AO, CSC, Deputy Chief of Air Force, Planning Air Force’s Future – Does this mean Fifth Generation?

2013. Major General Gus Gilmore AO, DSC, Deputy Chief of Army: The future of Special Forces

2012. Rear Admiral Robyn Walker AM, RAN, Commander Joint Health: Diversity and Innovation in Leadership: Celebrating Australian Defence Force Advancements

2011. Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC, Chief of Defence Force: 20 Year Strategies