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Defence and Veteran families celebrated during National Families Week
Freya Lucas
May 19, 2023
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The unique challenges Australian Defence Force (ADF) families experience are being recognised this week at events across Australia, as part of National Families Week.
“People are the defence [industry’s] most important capability and we recognise the importance of supporting the families that support those who serve,” said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP.“I want to take this opportunity to celebrate and thank ADF and veteran families for your resilience and the contribution you make to our nation,” he added.
“Having the support of their family is essential for ADF members to undertake their work in service of our nation, while families are often on the front line when a veteran needs some extra support.”
A number of initiatives are already in place to support families, such as the ADF Family Health Program, improved access to housing for personnel and veterans, an expanded perspective on how the ADF views and identifies families and the creation of the Defence Member and Family Information Guide.
“We know that families look different all over the country,” Mr Keogh explained.
“For many children, grandparents are their primary carers. That’s why in the recent Budget we announced we’re expanding the Defence, Veterans’ and Families’ Acute Support Package further to make sure that grandcarer veteran families are also supported if they are experiencing a crisis.”
The Federal Government is also working with Defence and Veteran families to develop a national Defence and Veteran Family Support Strategy to improve the experience of all families in service, and following their discharge. “There’s no doubt that families have a vital role to play in supporting a Defence member or veteran, that’s been further emphasised throughout the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide,” Mr Keogh added.
“We’re responding to the recommendations of the Royal Commission as quickly as possible to ensure families receive the financial support and access to information they need in a timely fashion.”
National Families Week is acknowledged annually in May. For more information about National Families Week, please see here. For further information about support services for ADF families, visit the Defence website or download the Defence Member and Family Information Guide.
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