Defence and veteran services
The Australian Government, State and Territory governments, and non-government organisations provide support for current and ex-serving Defence members and their families.
In accordance with the Royal Commission’s intent, the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC) will focus on driving systemic reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving members of the ADF.
The DVSC cannot not review individual cases, claims, complaints or appeals. The DVSC cannot intervene on an individual’s behalf to influence an outcome in their case.
There are other government and non-government organisations which do provide support services.
Please note: The accuracy of the information found at the links below is the responsibility of the relevant organisation and the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission does not take responsibility for the information or advice accessed outside our website.
An independent complaint handling mechanism for serving and ex-serving Defence members. The Defence Force Ombudsman is external to Defence and their services are free. They deal with complaints that agencies such as Defence, DVA and Defence Housing Australia have not resolved, and also provide a confidential mechanism to report serious abuse.
Finding State and Territory-based legal aid services for those who are economically or socially disadvantaged.
Defence facilitates and coordinates legal assistances for persons facing a court martial and persons affected by the ADF administrative inquiry process. ADF members can also receive independent legal support on other matters related to their service.
Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force
Independent inquiries and investigations into matters concerning the military justice system, and inquiries into the death of ADF members.
Current and ex-serving ADF members and their families can access various supports from community groups, known as ex-service organisations. These services can include veteran advocacy, which helps current and ex-serving members and their families understand and get access to services from government.
Veteran advocacy
For veterans of the ADF, an 'advocate' or a 'veteran advocate' normally refers to someone who is trained to help you interact with the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Advocates are generally volunteers who work for an ex-service organisation (ESO). Advocates are often veterans or family members of veterans themselves. Some advocacy services are free, others may charge a fee for their services.
The Australian Government funds the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP), a nationally recognised training program to help people become veteran advocates. ATDP trained advocates are covered by professional indemnity insurance.
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has more information about advocacy and representation.
Ex-service organisations
An ex-service organisation (ESO) is a type of non-government organisation that supports current and ex-serving ADF members and their families.
They offer diverse services and supports to Defence and veteran communities. Many ESOs have a local community-focus, although there are ESOs with a national presence.
Depending on the organisation, an ESO might be able to help with:
- Veteran advocacy to help access payments and other benefits;
- Social connection activities in local communities;
- Support with accessing finance, employment or education services; and/or
- Visitation support at home, or in hospital or aged care.
Department of Veterans' Affairs 1800 838 372 (1800VETERAN)
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides services and supports to eligible current and ex-serving ADF members and their families. DVA's areas of focus are financial (income support and compensation), health (access to physical and mental health services, and rehabilitation services), and acknowledgement and commemoration of ADF service.
You can contact DVA to enquire about:
- Financial support
- Health support
- Support for families
- Mental health care, including from Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
Veterans' and Families' Hubs - DVA partners with ex-serving organisations and State and Territory governments to develop Veterans' and Families' Hubs across Australia. Each Hub offers a unique mix of local services, including wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing advice, social connection and physical and mental health services.
Hubs currently operating include:
- ANZAC House Veteran Central, Perth WA
- Veteran Wellbeing Centre, Adelaide SA
- The Oasis, Townsville QLD
- Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub, Nowra NSW
- Veterans and Families Hub, Wodonga Vic
- Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre, Darwin NT
- Veterans' and Families' Wellbeing Hub, Caboolture QLD
- The Veterans' & Families' Centre, Burnie Tasmania
Other Hubs are in development.
Defence provides a range of services, assistance and resouces to support ADF members and their families.
You can contact Defence to enquire about:
- The Australian Defence Force Rehabilitation Program
- Defence Force Transition Program
- Defence Member and Family Helpline
- Royal Australian Army Chaplains Department
- All-hours Support Line - 1800 628 036
- 1800 IMSICK (1800 467 425)
- For Reservists
- Mental health online
- Suicide prevention and mental health in the ADF
- Employee Assistance Program
- Post-Deployment Support Program
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO)
Australian State and Territory governments provide a range of supports and information for Defence members and veterans in their jurisdictions:
Australian Capital Territory - ACT Office for Veterans
New South Wales - NSW Office for Veterans Affairs
Northern Territory - Veterans Support - Northern Territory Government
Queensland - Queensland Veterans' Portal
South Australia - Veterans SA
Tasmania - Veterans Programs - Tasmanian Government
Victorian - Veterans Portfolio - Victorian Government
Western Australia - Veteran Services - Western Australia Government
