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 family 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.   

Community Town Hall Update: New agency for veteran and family wellbeing

DVA recently held a community Town Hall event to provide an update on the work underway to establish a new agency for veteran and family wellbeing. The recording is available online Community Town Hall: Progress update on new agency for veteran and family wellbeing.

Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of information being shared with the veteran community following the event.

The change for veterans and families of veterans

Veterans and families will have access to information on wellbeing services that is more connected and easier to navigate.
For those who need it, the agency will provide assistance to navigate the system of support.

A website, service directory and helpline will be available nationally from day one, providing access to all regardless of location.
Working with Defence, there will be a stronger focus on prevention, early support and transition.

Families will be recognised for the important role they play in wellbeing and the benefits of being able to maintain their own positive wellbeing.

And most importantly, the establishment of the agency has been informed by lived experience, shaped through consultation and codesign with veterans and families, so support is centred on people rather than processes.

What the agency will do from Day One

From 1 July 2026, the agency will commence with a strong foundational capability that will continue to grow over time. Initial features will include:

• A new standalone website designed to provide clear, trusted wellbeing information
• A searchable service directory, allowing users to find local supports by postcode or region
• A dedicated helpline, offering navigation and connection to wellbeing supports
• Supported navigation that complements existing Defence and Joint Transition Authority arrangements
• Coordinated support focused on supporting those with higher needs particularly those separating from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
• An embedded organisational learning and evaluation capability, supporting continuous improvement from commencement

The agency’s role is to connect those services and help strengthen how the system works together, not to duplicate services already in place. The agency is military informed and will not deliver services that are most appropriately delivered by specialised providers such as child safety responses, family and domestic violence services, mental health clinicians, rehabilitation or community-based case management.

In situations where an individual or family unit are experiencing an emergency, the agency will refer to emergency services.

Who the agency will support first

The agency will build capability over time and initially prioritise veterans and families who are at risk during their transition from ADF service, particularly those experiencing complex or involuntary separation. This approach reflects the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and enables support to be targeted to make the greatest difference.

As the agency’s capability grows, support will expand in response to emerging needs across the veteran and family community.

Working with community organisations

Community organisations play a vital role in supporting veterans and families of veterans. The new agency will work closely with:

• Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs
• Ex-Service Organisations
• Community wellbeing providers
• Local support services

The agency will help strengthen connections between services, building a more connected wellbeing network, to make it easier for veterans and the families of veterans to find the support they need.

This will be assisted by the new service directory that is currently being developed, with further information to be provided about opportunities to be included in the directory.

Hubs

Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs (Hubs) provide a space for veterans’ services and advocacy organisations to co-exist and provide integrated support to current and former serving ADF members, in local communities.

Hubs services are informed by the needs of the community and use community partners to improve the connection to supports, social connectedness and overall wellbeing.

For those who prefer to access support in-person, Hubs provide a safe and welcoming space for veterans and families of veterans, in addition to the online contact options.

Further information on Hubs, including existing Hubs and those under development can be found at Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs.

Funding and long-term commitment

The Australian Government has committed $78 million over four years to establish the agency, with an ongoing annual commitment of $7.5 million.

The establishment of the agency delivers on Recommendation 87 of the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The development of the agency will be supported by continuous learning, evaluation and engagement with the veteran and family community, with regular updates being provided to government as capability grows.

Stay Informed

The implementation process for the agency is underway.  Further information will be shared as work progresses. This website will remain the best place to access up-to-date information.