Defence and Veteran family wellbeing strategy 2025–2030

Abstract: Families play a pivotal role in supporting current and former serving Australian Defence Force personnel and Defence is committed to enabling the families to thrive. To achieve this, their unique circumstances must be understood, and their needs considered through the policies or decisions that impact them. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Defence have worked together to develop the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 (the Strategy) and First Action Plan. These documents are informed by the experiences and feedback of Defence and veteran families, and those who represent and advocate for them. Three priorities will drive progress under the Strategy and action plan: 1) Informed engagement: families can find the information they need when they need it, so they can access available supports and make informed decisions. Defence and DVA actively engage with families to ensure their perspectives are considered. 2) Supported and secure: any impacts of service and related life events are managed, through appropriate and flexible, fit for purpose policies, support, and communication. 3) Recognised and understood: there is a continued commitment to understand the needs of families, and improve policies through engagement, research and evaluation. Defence and DVA’s coordinated approach ensures that the impacts of service and related life events are managed, both during and after service, with appropriate fit for purpose policies, programs and support, now and into the future.