News from the Department
2022 is shaping up to be another year of opportunities and challenges facing the nation and our Australian Defence Force. Since the establishment of the Repatriation Department in 1918, the services and support available to veterans and their families have evolved significantly, but our purpose has remained the same: to support those who serve or have served in defence of our nation and to commemorate their service and sacrifice.
Each conflict and peace-keeping mission that Australia has been involved in has seen new generations of veterans with different needs come to the department for support. The most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are no exception, bringing with them a young generation of veterans who seek support and services in a digital world. The department has had to innovate, through initiatives like MyService, to ensure support remains accessible and efficient for them and their families.
We have also learnt more about the significance of thinking about an individual’s overall wellbeing and to consider all aspects of lifetime wellbeing. The Veteran Centric Reform program has seen the department shift into thinking about prevention and holistic health by putting in place initiatives aimed at providing a range of proactive support measures that cater to the different needs of ADF members and families. I am looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the recent Census when we asked, for the first time, ‘have you served in the ADF?’.
As part of our overall focus on health and wellbeing it is important we recognise, ask for and know where to access help. With the introduction in 2016 of non-liability mental health care for every veteran with one day of continuous full-time service or disaster relief operations (such as the ADF support to those communities impacted by recent flood events), contact us if you have not received your White Card to access this support. We have also expanded access to Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling in 2017 to ensure partners, children and immediate family members of veterans could seek support. This was done in recognition of the fact that family members are also impacted by military service.
A more recent challenge has been the significant increase in claims for support from the department and the backlog this has created. I acknowledge this may be causing additional distress or frustration for veterans and their families. Please know we can provide a range of supports while claims are being processed and anyone experiencing difficulties is encouraged to reach out on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). DVA is working tirelessly to tackle this issue by improving IT systems and processes and bringing on around 250 additional staff to work on claims processing, which were provided for in last year’s Budget.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has held a number of hearings since its commencement in December 2021. I appreciate that listening to the hearings, making a submission or appearing as a witness may be confronting or distressing. If you, or someone you know, needs support, support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At any time, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or Safezone on 1800 142 072, for those who wish to remain anonymous.
With the restrictions associated with COVID, we have been unable to deliver or participate in our traditional Anzac Day services. I am happy to announce that with Anzac Day 2022 quickly approaching, the department is working to deliver services in France and Turkey for the first time in several years. Though attendance is anticipated to be lower than in previous years, it is part of our mission to commemorate at these sites – Villers-Bretonneux and Gallipoli – which are so significant in our military history. I hope you can all connect with others to commemorate this important day in our calendar. Check 5 (#5) is an important reminder that mates helping mates remains at the heart of our veteran and family community.
This year will not be without its challenges but I also see enormous opportunities to continue our work with the veteran community to ensure we are delivering support and services where they are needed. Please remember we are here whenever you need us to help and support you as best we can.
Liz
With Veteran Employment Pathway participants and Program Manager Mick Barnes (second from left).