Research plays an important role in helping DVA understand the needs of veterans and families. By understanding the real-world experiences of the community, we can continue to improve our services to provide the best outcomes possible for their health and wellbeing.
The Longitudinal Wellbeing Project, established in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), helps build a better understanding of the health, wellbeing and service experiences of veterans and families over time.
The importance of this work was highlighted by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which recognised the need for stronger evidence and a better understanding of veteran experiences across their lives. The Royal Commission noted that high-quality data and research are essential to improving policies, programs and services that support current and former serving members and their families.
The Longitudinal Wellbeing Project links DVA data with secure information held by the ABS through the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA). Looking at this information together helps researchers better understand what affects veteran and family wellbeing, such as employment, education, housing, health and social connection. It also helps show where services are working well and where future policy, programs or outreach could be improved.
Protecting privacy is a key part of the project. Before information is used, details that could directly identify a person, such as their name or address, are removed. Researchers use the de-identified information in secure ABS systems. Strict safeguards also make sure individuals cannot be identified in any published findings.
The data is used for research and policy development only and does not affect a person's claims, entitlements or services.
People who do not want their information included in DVA research projects can choose to opt out at any time. If someone opts out, their information will not be included in any future data transfers for the project. More information about the project, privacy protections and opt-out arrangements is available on the Longitudinal wellbeing of veterans and families page.
DVA thanks those veterans willing to assist the Department improve our services.