Media releases

Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite today launched the RSL Queensland Veteran and Family Wellbeing Centre in Cairns, the first facility of its kind in the region.

Today the Albanese Government has launched its $24 million Veteran Employment Program, an initiative aimed to boost veteran employment opportunities, as well as help businesses benefit from the diverse skill sets that veterans bring.

The Open Arms - Veterans and Families Counselling, Canberra office proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary this week. Over that time, Open Arms has grown into the government’s premier mental health service for veterans, now operating more than 35 centres across the nation.

OPINION PIECE On Anzac Day, in the Somme region of France, locals join Australians to remember the Aussie Diggers who fought to save their towns in the Great War.

Five Australian soldiers who fought and died in the attack at Fromelles in France more than 106 years ago have been formally identified. 

Tomorrow at dawn, Australians and New Zealanders the world over will gather to honour those who have served our nations in times of war, conflict, peace and humanitarian operations.

The memories of Australian diggers on the Western Front will be preserved, with an $8.3 million technology upgrade at the Sir John Monash Centre in France.

For the first time, Defence Ministers will join Defence personnel in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, as part of the Sydney WorldPride festival on Saturday 25 February 2023.

New resources for community housing providers tailored for the needs of veterans experiencing homelessness have been launched today.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering cost of living relief for more Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans with key changes passed today in the Federal Parliament to help them buy their own home.

A report released this week outlining the rate of suicide among current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel reaffirms that suicide prevention must be a matter of national priority.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering funding certainty for the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Sydney. The commemorative site will receive a further $409,000 in funding over four years to ensure it continues operating for future generations to pay their respects.

It was a great privilege to be appointed the Assistant Minister for Defence, the Assistant Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Assistant Minister for the Republic in June. 

The Australian Government has delivered on a $9 million commitment to enable Invictus Australia to deliver a key sports program and various international military games. 

A partnership between the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Department of Defence and the Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health has led to world-first research and the development of an innovative new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Today, the launch of a special commemoration is taking place at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, highlighting stories of service from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).