New wellbeing agency to open 1 July 2026

On 2 December 2025, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs the Hon. Matt Keogh MP announced $78 million in funding over four years for a new veteran and families wellbeing agency to be established within DVA in response to Recommendation 87 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.   

The vision, purpose and functions of the new agency were developed through consultation and co-design with veterans, families, ex-service organisations and service providers.   

What will the new agency do?

In line with the co-design process, the new agency will create a more connected system of support for serving ADF members, veterans and families with a focus on early intervention and prevention during transition from the ADF to civilian life, to support better wellbeing outcomes.

The agency will enable veterans and families of veterans to find the information and support they need and help them to connect to community, while providing wrap around support for at risk veterans as they transition out of the ADF.

The agency will also strengthen access to supports across the nation – working with the DVA Veterans’ Access Network, Open Arms and our Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network to make sure that there is sufficient, sustainably-funded, reliable, coordinated and accessible support across the country. This delivers on what veterans and families told us during co-design – that the new agency needed to have a local presence across Australia, enabling enhanced support for more veterans and families of veterans in the communities where they live.

The agency will leverage and coordinate relevant Defence, DVA and community programs, services and supports to improve transition planning and preparedness, streamline referrals to supports, and extend warm handovers to reduce barriers to support. 

When will the new agency start operations?

The new agency will open on 1 July 2026, and services will be scaled up over time and evaluated for effectiveness to ensure the agency is meeting the needs of veterans and families of veterans.

The agency will take responsibility for transition supports that are currently shared between the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, to provide continuity of support to members as they transition out of the ADF, so they don’t fall through the gaps, including complex case management.

Why is this important?

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide identified that many veterans and families of veterans face significant challenges as they transition from the ADF, including mental health issues, elevated suicide risks and a strain on relationships. 

The agency is critical to address a veteran support system that was recognised by the Royal Commission to be fragmented and difficult to navigate, with duplication, inefficiency and gaps.

Recommendation 87 of the Royal Commission called for the establishment of an agency within DVA focused on veteran wellbeing, to address the systemic challenges identified by the Royal Commission. 

The agency will support serving ADF personnel, veterans and families of veterans to plan and prepare for transition to civilian life and navigate the veteran support eco-system. The agency will improve referral pathways and integrate supports provided by DVA, Defence and third parties. 

Read the Minister’s address to the National Press Club: The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, 12 months on.