The Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, launched the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 (the Strategy) in Parliament today.
The Strategy’s vision is to empower and support the Defence and veteran community for optimal mental health and wellbeing during service or employment, during transition to civilian life and beyond. The Strategy has six goals:
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Promote and assist wellbeing
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Improve mental health and wellbeing through prevention and early intervention
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Facilitate timely access to quality care and support
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Grow a positive and connected Defence and veteran community
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Prioritise suicide prevention initiatives
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Use evidence and data to drive positive outcomes.
The Strategy is underpinned by two action plans, one focused on mental health and wellbeing and the other on suicide prevention. The Strategy and actions plans are now available on the DVA website: Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Action Plans | Department of Veterans' Affairs.
The Strategy and action plans have been informed by extensive stakeholder consultation since 2023, including a public consultation process on an Exposure Draft of the Strategy between January and March 2025. A summary of the feedback received through the 2025 public consultation is on the DVA website: Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Exposure Draft - 2025 public consultation | Department of Veterans' Affairs and Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Exposure Draft - submissions received | Department of Veterans' Affairs
Defence and DVA gratefully acknowledge all contributions which have informed the development of the Strategy.
The Strategy complements the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030, the Veteran Transition Strategy with a shared focus of improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the Defence and veteran community.
Help is available
Information and conversations about mental health and suicide might be distressing to some people.
In the case of an emergency call 000
If you or someone you know needs support:
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Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling provides free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF and their families via a 24-hours helpline 1800 011 046
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All-hours Support Line, a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week 1800 628 036
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Kids Help Line (phone counselling service) 1800 551 800