Current and former ADF members and their families. Higher rates of physical injury, mental ill-health and suicide than the general population.
KEY ADVOCACY ORGANISATIONS
Sentiment 0-100 (lower = more pressure). Click an area to see how every cohort fares there.
Current and former ADF members and their families. ~581,000 living veterans plus ~60,000 serving ADF and their families.
Veterans carry higher rates of physical injury, mental ill-health and suicide than the general population. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide documented systemic failures in transition, claims processing and family support. The signature problems are claim opacity, transition pace, and a service-system designed around individuals when service is a family experience.
Morning. Wakes early — service-rhythm holds. PTSD or pain symptom check. Mid-morning. GP appointment paid via DVA White Card (claim status checked weekly). Lunch. Open Arms session online or in-person. Afternoon. Job search or study (Workforce Australia, transition study). Evening. Family adjustment — kids' new school routines, spouse's new job.
Morning. Work — civilian career somewhat established or business owner. Mid-morning. Possibly DVA review appointment, GP for chronic injury. Evening. RSL / Soldier On / Mates4Mates / Invictus pathway training.
Morning. Base routine. Family on the move; spouse possibly in 4th career-change. Day. Operations or training. Family at home navigating new schools. Evening. Limited family time during ops; intense in dwell.
| Area | What they do |
|---|---|
| Home | DHA leasing; first-home with DHOAS; downsizing post-service |
| Money | DVA payments; military super; SRCA/MRCA |
| Health | DVA Gold/White Card; Open Arms; physio |
| Family | Spouse career; kids' schools; reservist/family balance |
| Work | Civilian transition; resume translation; small business |
| Transport | DVA medical-travel; vehicle modifications |
| Learning | TAFE re-skilling; vet tertiary training |
| Community | RSL; sport (Invictus); peer groups |
| Safety | Military-justice carryover; veteran-specific FDV |
| Digital | MyService portal; multi-system handoffs |
"They're sending 1,000 automated letters a week demanding evidence of ongoing eligibility. It feels like we're being audited for daring to need help."
— Disability advocate (Citizen Voice 2025, NDIS — same dynamic well-documented in DVA claims)
"I was fine in uniform. Six months out, I didn't know who I was."
"Our family has done five postings. I've had four jobs and three university enrolments. None of them stuck."
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Compensation; Gold/White Card; Open Arms
Department of Defence
Service careers; transition support; DHA
Defence and Veterans' Services Commission
Veteran services oversight
Open Arms National Advisory Committee
Mental-health support