Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy open for feedback

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made it abundantly clear that more needs to be done to support the mental health and wellbeing of Defence personnel, veterans and families.

Improving the supports available and making them more effective is a key priority for the Albanese Government, and that’s why we want to hear from you.

A draft of the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been released for public feedback.

This draft Strategy has been shaped by consultation with permanent and reserve Australian Defence Force members, mental health experts, veterans and families, to understand some of the unique issues faced in the Defence and veteran community.

Now we want to hear from you.

We know we cannot afford inaction or delay, and want to be sure that we, as a nation, are best supporting those who put their lives on the line for us every day.

The goal is to foster a culture of proactive wellbeing and mental health care in the Defence and veteran community and improve access to recovery support for those who need it.

To find out more and to have your say, visit the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy webpage. Consultation closes at 5:00 pm Friday 7 March 2025.

Media contact

Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485
DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608