The report matches DVA administrative data with community data from the Student Outcomes Survey (SOS) and the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, to better understand potential workforce outcomes for DVA clients. The report provides a predictive analysis of the impact that health conditions, medical discharge status, and service type, have on a veteran’s ability to look for and participate in work assuming community trends apply to veteran groups. The findings are not based on actual veteran employment outcomes. Nevertheless, the study is informative of potential outcomes. DVA’s rehabilitation program is aligned with the study findings.

It is important to note that the findings should be read in context of the report and as they are general in nature, they should not be considered applicable at an individual level. A one page overview of the study is also attached.

Further information:

• Quick Facts Sheet (PDF 125 KB)
• Quick Facts Sheet (DOCX 255 KB)

DVA commissioned this study in 2011 to gain a better understanding of the experiences of reservists. The field-based component of the study consisted of face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 39 ADF reservists, primarily from the Army with a smaller number from the Air Force. The text-based component centred on a review of the academic literature, as well as a review of historical documents and an inventory of support services available to reservists.

The study found that reservists vary in the way they understand their reservist identity. Some identify more with a ‘full-timer’ identity and feel a close connection with ADF membership and military skills, while some identify more as a ‘part-timer’ and place stronger emphasis on their civilian professional skills. The researcher found that the extent to which reservists identify with the ADF can affect outcomes including their health and wellbeing, cohesion with their unit and accessing of support services.

The reservists study has provided DVA with useful information about the experiences and needs of a sample of contemporary reservists. As a qualitative pilot study, the report is exploratory in nature. It does not quantify the extent to which the views expressed by the participants would be shared among reservists and reservist veterans more generally. Nevertheless, the report provides a useful understanding of issues experienced by the reservists interviewed and identified in the academic literature.

The report has informed DVA’s understanding of how reservists identify and the potential implications of this for DVA’s communication and engagement with reservists. It has also informed a focus on reservists in planning future DVA research. On 11 June 2014, the Government announced a joint DVA/Defence Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme which includes a nested study on reservists.

Reservists can access similar DVA support and services to those available to Permanent ADF members. For details on reservists’ entitlements, please see DVA website and/or the Claims for reservists. Reservists who are in doubt about what DVA services or support they could access are encouraged to contact DVA.

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to conduct a review of the scientific evidence regarding whether occupational exposures to jet fuels and specified solvents of most relevance to the military were associated with risks to the reproductive health of women.

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to conduct a literature review of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes in men from occupational exposure to specified solvents relevant to the Australian military.

The report fulfils a recommendation of the 2017 Senate inquiry into Suicide by Veterans and Ex-Service Personnel, for an independent study into the mental health impacts on veterans when they navigate the compensation claim assessment processes. It considers the evidence available and discusses leading practice in personal injury claims management.

Inquiries and reviews of the DVA support system have identified that the compensation claims assessment process may contribute to the psychological distress and mental health conditions experienced by some veterans, including self-harm and suicide.

In response to the Senate inquiry into suicide in veterans and ex-service personnel, the DVA commissioned Phoenix Australia to provide a desktop study and literature review examining the mental health impacts of compensation claims assessment processes on veterans and their families. The DVA subsequently commissioned Monash University to undertake this study to review the Phoenix report and to further explore potential for DVA actions that may mitigate potential mental health impacts of its compensation claims processes.

The study involved document review, site visits to DVA offices and a targeted literature search and is presented in three sections.

The Strategic Research Framework (SRF) sets out the principles, objectives and priorities for DVA to facilitate research and evaluation in areas of special strength or need as identified in priority research areas. Research and analysis help to identify emerging issues facing the veteran and defence communities and their families, and are integral to developing effective departmental policy, shaping service delivery responses, and evaluating programs and pilots.

This study aimed to examine the health and compensation outcomes of Rwanda veterans and investigate whether there were differences in outcomes between the different groups deployed.

The study undertook a data match and analysis process using personnel, compensation, health and mortality data.

Among other things, the study found that the health of the Rwanda cohort is characterised by a high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is expressed in two compensation peaks five and 11 years after the deployment.

There was no evidence of difference in discharge rates between the contingents, between personnel groups or between personnel from formed units and those who joined deployments individually.

As part of the 2015-16 Budget, the Australian Government committed the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to review its dental and allied health funding arrangements.

This report was funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to assess available literature on the psychological and vocational outcomes of delivering support services to the families of veterans at times of high family stress. The review considered interventions being provided to veterans in Australia, and other English speaking countries who may have similar veteran experiences.  

The literature review was undertaken in the context of the growing body of research and policy evidence suggesting that veterans can be challenged by transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) into civilian life, with a consequential direct negative impact on the wellbeing of the veteran and family members. The aim of this literature review was to examine available peer reviewed research regarding the support available to families of veterans in order to inform the establishment of a policy framework.

• The review yielded 34 results, primarily considering the experiences of veterans and their families in the United States. The absence of peer-reviewed literature from New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom highlights that this topic is one that is still in its infancy.
• Overall, studies indicated that family involvement in care was most definitely a contributing factor to veterans achieving positive psychological and interpersonal outcomes. The review noted that younger veterans, in particular, liked the message of family involvement, the use of digital support tools and therapy that accommodated childcare needs.
• While the literature highlights some potential programs which could assist Australian veterans and their families, including online education tools for adults and children, the need for further research in this area is apparent, specifically in the Australian context.

The Review of PTSD Group Treatment Programs was undertaken by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) to ensure that services offered to clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) were evidence-based and met the needs of both older and contemporary veteran cohorts.

This review came about following a recommendation out of the Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-Service Community, undertaken by Professor David Dunt in 2009 comprised two phases. The first was a literature review of evidence-based best practice treatment for PTSD.

The second phase critically reviewed PTSD programs offered by providers contracted to DVA. This included the process of referral, the programs themselves, discharge planning and follow-up.

The report offers guidance on the next phase of group treatment programs and DVA will work closely with providers and the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health to ensure treatment programs better met the needs of contemporary veterans. Changes to programs will only be implemented where more effective treatment and improved treatment outcomes for participants will be achieved.