Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans

Who is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander veteran?

An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander veteran is a person who:

• served or is serving in the Australian Defence Force either full-time or as a reservist; and
• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• identifies as an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• is accepted as an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person in the community that they live or have lived

You can still apply for support even if you do not identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Tell us if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander veteran

Contact us if you would like your records to show that you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. This helps us:

• provide tailored support services
• understand how our services are being used
• identify gaps in access to services
• plan future support for communities and locations.

Identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander will not change:

• what you are entitled to
• the outcome of any claims you have made.

How we help

We provide support to:

• veterans and families of veterans
• widowed partners
• Aboriginal people who were in and around Maralinga, Emu Field and the Montebello Islands in the 1950s and 1960s during the British Nuclear Tests in Australia. There are defined areas and timeframes for eligibility, please contact DVA for more information.
• certain Territory, State and Federal Police members who served in certain declared peacekeeping forces outside Australia.

You may be able to receive

• counselling services through Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling
• education assistance for dependent students of veterans
• health care, including treatment for mental health conditions
• home assistance
• help with housing, including loans at a low interest rate and other home insurance
• financial support and compensation
• rehabilitation support
• help when you return to civilian life
• help for the community to commemorate events such as Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Vietnam Veterans’ Day
• Recognition for veterans.

Mental health treatment

Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) for mental health may cover treatment for any mental health condition. You do not need to show that your condition was caused by your ADF service.

Who is eligible?

• Current and former full-time ADF members, including reservists who have completed at least one day of Continuous Full-Time Service (CFTS)
• Some reservists without CFTS, including those with Border Protection Service or Disaster Relief Service (and some serious training accidents). This includes veterans who have served on certain border protection activities, including with the Regional Force Surveillance Group (NORFORCE, the Pilbara Regiment and the 51st Far North Queensland Regiment)

Memorials and War Graves

The Office of Australian War Graves cares for memorials and war graves for veterans. They can also help you locate specific war graves and cemeteries.

We may also be able to provide resources for students, teachers and historians.

Getting help

We’re here to help. To find out what support is available or get help with a claim, contact:

• DVA at 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
• an Indigenous Veterans' Liaison Officer
• an ex-service organisation.

Getting in touch with an Indigenous Veteran Liaison Officer

Indigenous Veteran Liaison Officers help you access the right support in a way that respects culture and service.

To speak with an Indigenous Veteran Liaison Officer, tell us when you call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or when you contact us.

Some liaison officers are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. Others are non-Indigenous people with experience supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.

If you would prefer to speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, let us know.