More support for Defence and veteran families

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The Hon Matt Keogh MP

Minister for Defence Personnel

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Media contact

media@defence.gov.au

Stephanie Mathews on 0407 034 485

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20 December 2024

Today the Albanese Government is releasing the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 (The Family Strategy).

This delivers on Labor’s election commitment to identify ways to better support the families of our Defence personnel and veterans. 

The related Action plan will further assist in responding to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Final Report.

The Strategy and its associated Action Plan will focus on three priorities:

  • Informed engagement — Families can find the information they need when they need it. This will help them to access available supports and make informed decisions.
  • Supported and secure — Veterans and their families are supported to manage the impacts of their service and key life events through policies that are flexible and fit-for-purpose. 
  • Recognised and Understood — Continuous efforts are made to better understand family needs, including through research, engagement and evaluation.

Delivering the Strategy will help families to access appropriate housing solutions, offer greater certainty around locations for Defence Force personnel and their families, and provide better support during and after transition from ADF service. 

The Strategy and Action Plan were developed in consultation with Defence and veteran families, whose lived experience provide the foundations for this document and the actions we will now take.

The Strategy and Action plan can be found on the DVA and Defence websites, available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/strategic-planning/defence-and-veteran-family-wellbeing-strategy-2025-2030

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