Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant

Current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Forces can request recognition through the Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant (the Covenant).

The Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant Oath

We, the people of Australia, respect and give thanks to all who have served in our defence force and their families.

We acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the sacrifice demanded of all who commit to defend our nation.

We undertake to preserve the memory and deeds of all who have served and promise to welcome, embrace and support all military veterans as respected and valued members of our community.

For what they have done, this we will do.

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The Covenant Oath is a declaration on behalf of the Australian people to give enduring and formal recognition of veterans and families.

The Oath can be found in the Federal Register of Legislation, at Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and Their Families First) Act 2019.

The Covenant Lapel Pin provides the opportunity for Australians to identify veterans when they are not in uniform or wearing their medals.

There are two versions of the Lapel Pin, one for veterans who have served in the permanent forces, and one for veterans with reserve service.

Where a veteran is eligible for Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) but does not already have a Veteran Card, a request for recognition through the Covenant, will prompt the issuing of a Veteran Card, including fully funded mental health treatment.

How to request recognition through the Covenant

MyService

• Request recognition through the Covenant by selecting “Apply now” in MyService.
• If you are eligible and have not previously applied for the Covenant, an option to select ‘Veterans’ Covenant’ will be presented.
• Select ‘Veterans’ Covenant’ and follow the prompts.

In-person or via telephone

• Veterans who have previously requested recognition can contact 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) for subsequent requests.
• Veterans who have challenges accessing MyService, can make a request for recognition by telephoning 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372), or in person at a Veterans’ Access Network office. 

Please note: If you are identified as having possible eligibility for a Veteran Card, your payment destination may be requested for the Veterans Supplement. The provision of your payment destination is optional.