Support for families

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recognised the pivotal role families play in supporting the wellbeing of service members and veterans.

“Family support is recognised a critical to the wellbeing of serving and ex-serving members; it can protect against the risk of suicide and suicidality.”

Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (2023), Volume 6, para 343.

Family wellbeing is critical to supporting a healthy veteran community – this involves supporting wellbeing physical, emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing. When a family is thriving, they are general happier, more productive, goal oriented, and resilient. Families play a critical role in supporting help-seeking behaviour, providing hope, promoting social connection and a sense of personal agency.

Where to find support

The Australian Government, State and Territory governments, as well as other non-government organisations and ex-service organisations (ESOs), work together to provide a wide variety of support to Defence and veteran families.

The Defence Family Advocate and Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner undertake a critical role representing the perspectives of Defence and veteran families to improve their quality of life, by making recommendations and influencing policy that directly affects families.

ESOs provide a means through which current and ex-serving members and their families can raise issues affecting them, either individually or collectively, and connect with services and supports offered by government agencies, community organisations, local businesses and other ESOs. This includes a range of wellbeing supports including wellbeing promotion, early intervention and crisis intervention. ESOs also provide tailored support, programs and education to Defence and veteran children and partners.

More information on supports available can be found using the below links: