Better supporting veterans transition to civilian life

Today the Australian Government has released the nation’s first Veteran Transition Strategy to better support veterans’ and their families transition to civilian life.

The Strategy represents a joint initiative between Defence, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh MP, said the Veteran Transition Strategy sets out the priority areas of work for improving the transition process for Defence members.

“I’m determined to ensure the Government delivers the services and supports our Defence personnel, veterans and their families need and deserve,” Minister Keogh said.

“Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant event, it is critical we provide support to those who have given so much to our nation.

“The Veteran Transition Strategy is a major step forward to establishing a more connected transition ecosystem, prioritising the individual needs of each veteran and their families.”

The six priority areas are:

• Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families plan and prepare early for their transition.
• Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families are aware of and able to access support appropriate to their needs.
• Families engaged through transition.
• Veterans and families have access to employment, education and skills opportunities.
• Financial literacy for veterans and families.
• Veterans and families feel supported and recognised.

“We understand that veterans’ experiences differ and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to transition,” the Minister said.

Building on the vision outlined in the Strategy, initiatives have already been put in place to improve the services and supports available to veterans on transition. These include:

• The skills recognition program which translates military training to civilian qualifications. This means ADF personnel are better recognised for the skills, training and experience they gain in service, in the civilian workplace.
• Improved, individualised support for personnel transitioning.
• Amendments to Defence Housing rules to allow members to occupy a rent allowance property before they leave the ADF to help them get established in the community they wish to live.
• Allowances for transitioning ADF members to attend civilian GP appointments to support the handover of any medical care needs from Defence Health to the GP who will manage their health care after transition.
• Out-of-hours transition coaching to better support families, to be piloted later this year.
• Expansion of some transition services to be available throughout an ADF member’s career.

The Strategy and related action plans will evolve as needed, particularly in response to the findings and recommendations in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s final report, due in mid-2024.

22 August 2023

MEDIA NOTE:

A full copy of the Veteran Transition Strategy can be found at: Veterans Transition Strategy | About | Defence