The gravity of the military veteran crisis has been underscored by the chair of the royal commission into veteran suicides, Commissioner Nick Kaldas, who has urgently called for immediate action. Recent figures, unveiled by the Australian Institute of Health and...
Health
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on Defence and veteran suicide released
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) published the Serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have served since 1985 suicide monitoring: 1997 to 2021 report. Commissioned by DVA, the AIHW has delivered this report on the incidence of...
Consultation on new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy underway
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has made it abundantly clear that more needs to be done to support the mental health and wellbeing of Defence personnel, veterans and families. We’re taking action. Today I hosted a round-table meeting with mental...
Making sure veterans get the very best support available
Every time someone pulls on an Australian Defence Force (ADF) uniform they make a solemn vow. They are pledging to serve and defend our nation, to protect the values we hold dear – freedom, democracy, equality, respect and a fair go. All Australians owe a debt of...
Opinion: I Say, I Say, I Say – Old leadership lessons are still relevant
MAJOR Charles McMoran Wilson MC, Silver Medal of Military Valour (Italy), twice MID, knew more than most about soldiers and soldiering. As 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers RMO on the Western Front in World War I, he treated their wounds, observed their reactions to climate and...
The Home Front: Our Vets’ Never-ending War Within
THE HOME FRONT documentary by Patrick Lindsay explores the plight of Australia's modern war veterans, taking viewers on a journey of discovery into a world all too often filled with darkness, depression, PTSD, homelessness and suicide. The film allows our vets to tell...
Release of Defence and Veteran Suicide Monitoring Report
A report released today into the rate of suicide among current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel reaffirms that suicide prevention must be a matter of national priority. The report, Serving and ex‑serving Australian Defence Force members...
RU OK? Day – Thursday 8th September
It’s our national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life. R U OK? has released...
Defence unveils new PTSD treatment
A joint venture between government and the private sector has produced a new treatment for PTSD sufferers. Joint research between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Department of Defence and the Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health has...
Funding Boost for Veteran Wellbeing
The Australian Government has today committed $55 million to better support the wellbeing of Australian Veterans. This commitment consists of $22 million in funding to provide psychiatric assistance dogs to veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)...