Veterans hubs make a home in the regions
Veterans say connection and comfort are key as the first federally-funded hub opens on the NSW south coast to support the 20,000-strong defence community.
veterans affairs
Back to battle for ex soldier seeking help
A former soldier has told an inquiry her efforts to get support from veterans' affairs felt like she never left the battlefield.
Ecstasy for ex-soldier to help ease trauma
Ex-soldier James Geercke has described how military training left him with lasting physical and mental injuries, with little support from Veterans Affairs.
Injured veterans to get extra $1000 a year
Injured military veterans will soon receive an extra $1000 a year and hundreds of support staff will be hired to process their claims.
Veterans commission shifts focus to Darwin
Life at the Northern Territory's strategically significant military bases will be a new focus of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Recruit standards linked to risks in ranks
Lowered entry standards for military recruits have been linked to increased rates of physical and mental health issues among defence personnel.
Urgent action for veterans focus of report
A Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is due to deliver its much-anticipated interim report after months of confronting evidence.
Jacqui Lambie to speak at veterans inquiry
Long-term veterans advocate and senator, Jacqui Lambie, will on Friday give evidence at a royal commission examining suicide among ex-service personnel.
ADF ‘must target Indigenous mental health’
Mental health support for First Nations personnel can be improved through targeted mechanisms, the veterans royal commission has been told.
Inquiry told of need for ‘circuit breaker’
The former chair of a taskforce addressing abuse response within the ADF says a "circuit breaker" is needed to fix the closed nature of Defence.
ADF members betrayed by abuse: inquiry
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has been told ADF members felt betrayed by abuse within the ranks after enlisting.
Inquiry told of Lavarack behaviour issues
The veterans inquiry has been told behavioural issues still exist at Townsville's Lavarack barracks, despite improvements in how the ADF deals with complaints.
ADF considering ways to fill service gaps
The veteran suicide inquiry has been shown figures indicating there is a growing trend of more service people leaving the Australian Defence Force.
Veterans ‘failed’ by govt, commission told
Ex-veteran affairs minister Darren Chester has faced a royal commission and been questioned about outstanding reforms during his tenure.
‘Zero’ budget funds to fix compo delays
Former minister Andrew Gee says he was disappointed the Morrison government had failed to recognise veterans' welfare as a national priority.
Anger at targeting of unwell soldiers
An army commander says action should be taken against soldiers who target mentally or physically unwell colleagues, adding you "can't mitigate stupidity".
Family in spotlight after Qld man vanished
A re-opened inquest into the fate of a World War II veteran who vanished in 1993 will hear that police say his son-in-law may have been involved.
Coalition pledges support for veterans
A re-elected Morrison government would roll out more support centres for veterans and their families across the country.
LNP endorses ex-soldier for seat of Oxley
Former soldier Kyle McMillen has been selected as the Liberal National Party candidate for the seat of Oxley, a day after Chris Green resigned.
DVA failing veterans, secretary admits
The head of Veterans' Affairs has been frank about the department's failings, telling an inquiry it's not delivering for past and present defence members.
Paperwork delays hitting veterans’ cases
An inquiry into defence and veteran suicides has been told of the delays in claims for assistance from agencies including the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Chronic shortage of psychiatrists for vets
Poor pay and the challenging work mean many psychiatrists are reluctant to take on the demands of treating mentally ill veterans, an inquiry has been told.
Compo system ‘unintelligible’ to veterans
The royal commission has been told lawyers have to navigate a confusing maze of different legislation to make compensation claims for injured veterans.
Children of those who suicide take blame
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has been told children of those who suicide often blame themselves and feel abandoned.
Ex sailor shares story of bullying, abuse
The Australian public would be "absolutely horrified" by the victimisation of a former navy sailor, a royal commission has been told.
Ex-soldiers ‘overwhelmed’ by compo process
An overly complex compensation claims process at the Department of Veterans Affairs could be contributing to some ADF veterans taking their lives.
‘Failure of leadership’ across ADF: probe
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has been told a "failure of leadership" has led to poor culture across the Australian Defence Force.
Navy recruit faced ‘belittling’ punishment
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has heard navy divers faced 'belittling' punishments during training courses and would cover up injuries.
Navy life does not favour abuse: chief
Rates of sexual abuse in the Australian Navy cannot be explained by long periods at sea in close quarters with other sailors, a royal commission has been told.
ADF suicides can’t be ‘swept under carpet’
Veterans have been urged to "have no sense of shame" and give evidence to a royal commission investigating the issue of ADF suicide.
Defence ‘did nothing’ for veteran’s kids
A surge in soldiers needing support is causing backlogs as families of veterans say they need to be included in the process of addressing suicides.