This month's CoveTalk, celebrating NAIDOC Week, was with one of our senior Indigenous soldiers, RSM NORFORCE, WO1 Ken Nelliman. 

He covered his experiences of how cultural acceptance has changed since joining and where he wants our Army to lead the way in the future. 

The final question asked of him was taken on notice... and here is his response:

'If there was one thing you would really like to see changed or improved in the Army, what would that be?'

'It would be great to see Army leading the way, not only within ADF, but setting the example for all of Australia, by demonstrating our continual progression of cultural competency to the First Nations people. If that is annual welcome to country ceremonies or smoking ceremonies on Army bases, then let’s do that and show what an unconscious bias to acceptance of all Australians means. As Officers and Soldiers, we adopt the responsibility to care for all Australians and to protect this country. Let’s think of ourselves as custodians as well as commanders'.

Please note that this video can only be viewed outside the DPN.