Female Veterans and Veterans’ Families Policy forums

We recently hosted the Female Veterans and Veterans’ Families Policy forums over two events in Canberra to explore the unique perspectives and experiences of women veterans and veteran family members from across Australia.

Each forum brought a group of passionate and informed community members together with senior DVA leaders and policy-makers to discuss important issues, and generate practical solutions to make a meaningful difference for the veteran community. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, and DVA Secretary Alison Frame attended each forum and took the opportunity to engage in discussion with the forum members.

Key topics explored at this year’s events included:

  • protective factors for female veterans at risk of suicide;
  • female veteran physical and mental health needs;
  • family and domestic violence;
  • the Defence and Veteran Family Strategy;
  • housing insecurity and homelessness in the female veteran and veteran families communities; and
  • the Veterans’ Entitlements Legislative Reform Pathway.

Participants were invited to present to the forums on initiatives they are driving in their communities. These insightful presentations covered diverse and powerful topics, including the effects of traumatic brain injury, homelessness supports, recent medical research, recent experiences of transition from the Australian Defence Force, and a range of new ex-service organisation projects.

DVA uses the information and insights garnered at the forums to directly inform our policy and programs and the ongoing improvement of DVA supports and services.

‘Thank you for your on-going support, for continually engaging with us to assist in the future for all veterans and families to come up with our ideas, real and viable solutions for future generations to come.’ (Forum participant)

DVA would like to thank all those who attended the forums for their time, energy and passion. A report summarising the discussions and feedback will be available on the DVA website later in 2023. Keep your eye out on our social media and latest news for updates.

For more information or to access past reports visit www.dva.gov.au/about/overview/consultations-and-grants/consultation-fem…