New Veteran Transition Strategy for ADF members and families

Today the Australian government released its Veteran Transition Strategy to better support veterans’ and their families transition to civilian life.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said the strategy represents a joint initiative between Defence, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.

“The Veteran Transition Strategy sets out the priority areas of work for improving the transition process for Defence members,” Mr Keogh said.

“I’m determined to ensure the government delivers the services and supports our Defence personnel, veterans and their families need and deserve.

“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.”

Mr Keogh said the six priority areas were:

• 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,” he said.

“Building on the vision outlined in the Veteran Transition Strategy, initiatives have already been put in place to improve the services and supports available to veterans on transition, including…

• 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.

Minister Keogh said the Veteran Transition Strategy and related action plans would evolve as needed, particularly in response to the findings and recommendations in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s final report, expected mid next year.

 

 

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