Doorstop Interview - Perth

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
Doorstop interview, Perth
Friday, 29 August 2025

SUBJECTS: Veterans’ crisis accommodation announced; anti-immigration rallies; AUKUS shipbuilding

MATT KEOGH, MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL: Thanks, Michelle, and what an amazing Welcome to Country and spoken ceremony and blessing. We're all so grateful for your sharing those stories. I think it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that in the tradition you spoke of, the Tiwi Islander people, we still have so many Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NORFORCE, providing those sorts of services as part of our Defence Force to this day, maintaining that tradition, and importantly, now we properly recognise them as part of our Defence Force. So, thank you for sharing that story and that heritage with us, it’s so appropriate for why we are here today. And of course, Michelle has done a great job of acknowledging everybody. But I do want in particular to, of course, acknowledge Paul Papalia as the State Minister for veterans’ issues and a number of other things. Zaneta Mascarenhas is my federal colleague. Ron Sao in the State Parliament here. Pat Hall as the Mayor of Cannington. Of course, Kylie Russell and her daughter, who have joined us here today. You know, this is an important project for them, and I'll let them say a few more words about that. But one of the things that we are very present to as an Australian Government is that veterans can be three times more likely to experience homelessness or be at risk of homelessness than the general Australian population. And that is why, as part of our $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund that we took to the 2022 election, we set aside $30 million specifically, not just for veteran homes and housing, but for the wraparound services to support our veterans as well. Because we know that with that appropriate support, we can get them back on their feet faster as well. And so, this project here, working with RAAFA, is one of the projects that's being funded through our Veteran Acute Housing Program, which is providing $24 million nationally for homes for veterans, but also $6 million nationally for those wraparound services. And we're seeing that roll out across the nation now. This is, I think, the first, if not one of the first, in terms of new build programs that's getting off the ground, and it's great to be here as part of that. The Australian Government is partnering with RAAFA, with the state government, to deliver nearly $5 million of funding for this program. Over $4 million in the construction and over half a million dollars to support those wraparound services to support the veterans that will be living here. And you know, this is part of a project with the Andrew Russell Veteran Living Centre here in Perth that myself and RAAFA and Paul have been discussing the entire time I've been Minister, I think, so for over three years now. And it's so great to see it getting off the ground based on a model that's already been operating in Adelaide. And of course, joining the other services that RAAFA are delivering through the Sir Valston Hancock House that they opened not too long ago, about a year ago. So, we're very happy to be able to be partnering with RAAFA to deliver this funding, together with the funding being delivered by the State Government, to make sure that we are providing the housing support, both in bricks and mortar, but also those important wraparound services to support our veterans, to get them back on their feet. Because it is, frankly, what they deserve, given the sacrifice and the commitment that they have given to our nation in putting on our uniform for the greater good of our country. We very much look forward to seeing this project moved from a sod turning today, which is a very important milestone, to not just the buildings that will be here, but the community that it will represent and the services that will be provided here and the hope that it will provide as well, for veterans and for those people who support our veterans. Knowing that when they fall on hard times, that there will be a service like this available to support them, together with all the other services that we are delivering to support our veteran community here in the southern suburbs of Perth, across Western Australia, and of course, nationally as well. Thank you very much.

PAUL PAPALIA, WA MINISTER FOR VETERANS: Thank you, everyone. The Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Program is a fitting legacy for Drew, and it's a wonderful testament to the tenacity and power of Kylie Russell. Her advocacy to create an Andrew Russell Veteran Living Program here in Western Australia where Drew lived is the real reason, the sole reason, why it's come about. The State Government, since I first became the Minister in 2021 and Kylie came to see me and propose creation of this facility, we have supported her efforts through the ANZAC Day Trust and through (indistinct). We'll continue to support the operations of the centre once it's once it's open and operating, it is not just housing for veterans, for homeless veterans. It will provide mental health support, physical support, physical health support, employment training and pathways and engagement with the community. It's a complete wraparound service, the likes of which does not exist in Western Australia. It's only been in South Australia before now. And this will be linked to a program that we've also created inside our prison system to identify the veterans in the prison system who come out and ensure that they are supported on release. During the initial release from prison is their most vulnerable time. We know that through that system, that program that we've just created inside our prisons, there's 150 veterans in our prison system at the moment. This program, in the event that they'll engage with it, will capture them on release and get them back on their feet and back into the community making a positive contribution. Everything about this program is positive and good for the State, good for veterans. And I think, it would make Lisa's dad proud.

MICHELLE FYFE, CEO ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE ASSOCATION WA: I'd just like to say a few words before I invite Kylie to come and say a few words. You know, as a Chief Executive Officer, you don't get too many days better than this. And it is one of the great privileges that I have to lead an organisation that is developing this program for WA veterans and for their families. You know, the $10 million donations that we've received from both the Federal and the State Governments will bring to life the Andrew Russell Veteran Living Program and the accommodation that we will build here - 16 units for veterans in need of assistance. It's a housing-first model. You know, everyone deserves a place to lay their head. Everyone deserves to be safe. Everyone deserves to have somewhere to feel comfortable and to take rest. And this is what the Andrew Russell Veteran Living Program will give for our veterans who are in need. We couldn't be prouder to be a part of this project. And we couldn't be prouder to have partnered with Kylie in this amazing endeavour. And we look forward to having you all back here in about 12 months’ time to the official opening. But now I'd like to ask Kylie if she'd like to say a few words.

KYLIE RUSSELL, VETERAN ADVOCATE: I'd like to thank you all for being here this morning. I'd like to claim the beautiful weather and the sunshine, the clouds have gone, the rain has stopped, I think is because Drew is looking down today with a smile. When he left for Afghanistan 23 years ago, his concern was not for himself. Instead, it was for me and Lisa, our unborn daughter at the time. That if anything was to happen to him during service, who would take care of us. But also, who would take care of those veterans who returned from Afghanistan, who may need that additional support and help. Because at the time, he'd witnessed his fellow comrades experience pain and suffering through their time in the Defence Force. It’s taken 23 years to get here today. But I know that he would be extremely proud of his legacy, to be making a difference and supporting his mates who need that little bit of support to have a safe place to be. To feel a sense of belonging. To feel valued. To feel not forgotten for their service. And to have that opportunity to reconnect with their family, their loved ones, and also those of us in the community who have so much to thank them for. Today wouldn't be possible without so many people coming together. Yes, I was the voice, and I was knocking on all of those doors, but I needed people to actually respond to those knocks and so many people have. And that's why we have the funding from both the State and Federal Government. We have the support of RAAFA. RAAFA were the ones who firstly took up this proposition to make ARVL a reality. If RAAFA hadn't answered that knock on the door, we wouldn't be here today. That was then followed very quickly with a knock on the Minister's door, Minister Papalia’s door, to ask him to support this campaign to open ARVL in WA. And he has been a strength and a voice to ARVL ever since, and I can't thank him enough for his support here today. I would also like to extend that support to the Federal Government, who also stepped in to provide those vital funds to get us across the line to make this build an absolute possibility today. So, I look forward to joining you in 12 months’ time, to see this magnificent building to be opened and available for our veterans who have given so much to each of us to enjoy a beautiful day like today in WA. Without their contribution, this wouldn't be possible. Our Defence Force continue to serve our nation, whether it's on our shores or offshore. They will always play a vital part in protecting us and our values and our way of life. And this is for them and for those who might need the resources that ARVL can provide into the future. So, on behalf of Lisa and I, a very heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. And to the veterans who may need this service in the future, we're here for you, and we'll never forget what you have done.

JOURNALIST: It was just nearly a year ago that the Lotterywest Grant was announced, that $5 million. We’re here today, and it's all going good. But were you pleased with the timeline to get that federal funding afterwards? Was that quick enough?

KEOGH: Well, certainly we would have liked to have been able to provide that funding sooner. But unfortunately, the legislation that was around the Housing Australia Future Fund was held up by the Opposition for a good year or so, even though that was an election commitment we’d take into the ‘22 election. So, I think that was a very unfortunate circumstance. But most importantly, once that legislation did get passed, we were able to move rapidly to announcing the grant program, moving the funds out, and get to a position like we are at today. And that's the important thing we want to focus on, is now getting these projects moving, and that's what's happening.

JOURNALIST: And so, I guess on that as well, are you treating this like a pilot program? Is there is the hope that you might be able to set up more of these in the future?

KEOGH: So, we funded ten different organisations through thirteen different grants across the Capital Works and the wraparound support service program. So, it's the $24 million and $6 million programs, and they're rolling out now. We've got construction starting on this one right now. There's another one that's about to start. Some of them are upgrading existing buildings, so they'll move along a bit more quickly, and then obviously giving the wraparound services to those, some are existing and some are new build. So that's moving along well with those ten different organisations spread out across the country, making sure we're getting that broad coverage. And as that program then rolls out, we can then continue to work with organisations to see what may need to follow as we also work through things like implementing the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which had a very big focus on veteran wellbeing. And we're looking to establish a new wellbeing agency within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. And then we'll be able to look at what may come after these programs as well.

JOURNALIST: Just to clarify that, we know that there's a similar facility in South Australia, that's one of the others in the country, and then WA would be the second. Do you expect, then, despite other organisations you're working in for upgrades, other states to follow suit with this kind of model?

KEOGH: So, the models that are operating by different organisations in different states are different. However, there has been, through the success of the ARVL Program in South Australia, they've really got runs on the board, and people have been really impressed by what they've been able to deliver, in terms of housing and in reach and wraparound services. And so, it's great to see that that model is being followed here. We're looking at that model as the basis of what's called the Scott Palmer Centre, which is a program that's being proposed for the Northern Territory and other states where programs are rolling out. They're looking at that model. Of course, building on what works well, but making sure it's suitable to the veteran community in that location as well. You can't just cookie cutter these programs. You've got to make sure they fit with the sort of services that are being delivered and the housing opportunities in those locations as well. You know, Vasey RSL Care in Victoria, for example, has been a long-term housing provider in Victoria, supporting veterans. And so, they've developed their own models over time as well. And it's great to see that these models that are well established are also then being used as the basis for new programs across the country.

JOURNALIST: What will the capacity be for this new facility? And when will you expect it to be up and running?

FYFE: This is a 16-unit facility. We will break ground today and we hope to be up and running and accepting veterans into our accommodation services around September next year.

JOURNALIST: You mentioned in your press release working to secure ongoing operational funding, government money there. What does that look like?

FYFE: I think I've been spoken to a number of times, and I'm happy to say that we'll take money from anyone who wants to help the veteran, and if that's government, if that's private donation, if that's philanthropy, we're willing to accept funding that will assist our veterans to get back on their feet and get back out into stable accommodation and back into contributing to our community.

JOURNSALIST: Is it a lot of money that you're looking for?

FYFE: Not necessarily. We need to look at once we've got this accommodation up and running, we will have a number of services to assist our veterans, and we'll then gauge what the ongoing operational funding looks like. But regardless, we want to make this a success. RAAFA is committed to this model. It's committed to the Andrew Russell Veteran Living Program and this is the first of what we hope will be a number of accommodation units like this.

JOURNALIST: What will the units look like?

FYFE: So, it's a one-bedroom studio apartment. One bedroom with the facilities for someone to rest, recuperate, and get back on their feet. It's not permanent accommodation. This is transitional accommodation. So, it's a one-bedroom studio unit.

JOURNALIST: Are you worried about having homes for them to go into after they've gone through the crisis accommodation yet?

FYFE: Well, I suppose that's the next step. So, ARVL is the first step in the process. The next step is about moving people into permanent accommodation. And we'll continue to work with agencies. We'll continue to work with private resident owners to get our veterans out there into permanent accommodation, stable accommodation. So, like everyone, we're going to have to work with what we've got.

JOURNALIST: What are you expecting the demand for this service to be like? And how will you, I guess, prioritise the potential veterans who (indistinct)?

FYFE: So, if we go on Sir Valston Hancock House, which we opened in September last year, which is nine units, that has been full since day one. And we continue to have a waiting list for people to move in. There's a statistic that says that one in five veterans will find themselves homeless at some point in their lives. So, there are many people out there who need our assistance, and they aren't necessarily the people who are living rough or whatever. These are people with skills. They're couch surfing. They may be living in their cars. They may be camping out in bushland. And what we want to do is provide them with a safe haven, somewhere to get themselves back on their feet and then move back out into stable accommodation and as contributing members of our community. We believe that we will fill ARVL very, very quickly once it's completed.

JOURNALIST: So, it’s 16 units, and it's not permanent accommodation. How many veterans you think you’ll see in a years’ time come through the facility?

FYFE: So, we anticipate that, I think it's around 5000 nights of accommodation will be provided in the year. When you think about, you know, being a human being and the thing that makes you feel safe, one of the very first things, like I said earlier, is a place to lay your head and know that you are safe, know that you are cared for, and know that you are comfortable. And if we can do that for veterans then we're living true to our purpose, and we are so happy to be contributing to the community in that way.

JOURNALIST: What are some of the biggest barriers you see veterans face to ask for help?

FYFE: Veterans don't like to come forward and say that they need assistance. So, when we finally get in contact with a veteran, it's normally when they've spiralled and they're actually deep in need of assistance. So, one of the things that we've hoped in opening Andrew Russell Veteran Living is that it actually takes the stigma away and encourages people to come forward earlier, so we can assist them in their reintegration, back into the community quicker and earlier, and get them back out there into the community. They've served our nation. They've taken care of us, and now is our turn to take care of them.

JOURNALIST: For each veteran, on average, how long do you think they'll be staying? Two weeks? A month?

FYFE: Each veteran is different and if we look at the program in South Australia, it can be anywhere from three to 12 months, but we would anticipate around three to six months, as we work with them, to get back on their feet and then move out into more stable accommodation.

JOURNALIST: One more logistics question, sorry. Just with the one-bedroom apartment. Does that mean it intends to be for like a single veteran, or can they bring a partner or children?

FYFE: We're focusing on single veterans. That's how the program has worked in South Australia and worked successfully. But we're always happy to work with families, and particularly families of veterans who may need to have that time away on their own.

PAPALIA: With respect to the operational costs, we've said, I've said consistently to Kylie, that the Andrew Russell Veteran Living Program is a perfect vehicle for ongoing support from the Anzac Day Trust. So the Anzac Day Trust is how the State Government funds support to veterans. Annually, we contribute around $1.3 million to the Trust, and then it's all dispersed to different programs. RAAFA, in partnership with the Andrew Russell Veteran Living Program, is perfect for an ongoing, recurrent contribution. Once they're up and running, they'll be able to approach the Trust for further funding. Have no doubt, they’ll probably be successful. That aside, we’ve got to remember, this Andrew Russell Veteran Living Program is different than the Valston Hancock model. That's accommodation for veterans that might need just housing. This is a full wraparound model addressing acute need and with the intention of restoring veterans to being able to make a positive contribution and get back out into the community. You don't want them staying here forever. You don't want them staying here for an extended period of time, even. You just want them to stay for the time they require to get them back into a better place, back on their feet and back out there making a contribution. That's the objective.

JOURNALIST: I hope you don't mind me asking, you've obviously got your own services history. How difficult is that adjustment coming back?

PAPALIA: It probably was more of a problem for everybody else than for me. I imposed a problem on everybody else. No look, seriously, the vast majority of people who serve have an incredible time. They experience things that they would never otherwise have experienced, but many of those experiences are positive. They make friends for life, and they return to normal society, back out into the community and make incredible further contributions in the Australian community. But there are some who through the exposure to trauma or their service experience have become vulnerable to the challenges that they confront, and they need our support. Those people are what this is about. The vast majority of veterans who serve have a great career and retain positive experience and friends and memories for life. For those who don't, those who fall victim to the trauma they've been exposed to, we need to do as much as we can to support them, and that's what this is about.

JOURNALIST: And it's not just immediately after returning that that trauma can come up, is it?

PAPALIA: I'm no expert, but it's pretty obvious that people can fall victim to the trauma that they would been exposed to decades after that exposure, and with no prior indication that they're going to suffer the consequences of that exposure. It is something that's pretty unpredictable.

JOURNALIST: Are you confident that there will be housing once veterans come through this facility, that there'll be housing available for that next step?

PAPALIA: Yeah, well, I mean, there's also Hancock House there. RAAFA, as you heard from Michelle, looking for other options. But, and we're doing everything we can at state and federal level to grow the housing stocks in Western Australia. The aim is, they get up, back on their feet and be able to make a positive contribution, get out there and, you know, identify that, find their own housing and get on with life themselves, having been supported through that critical moment that where they fell vulnerable to their previous service.

JOURNALIST: We heard from Kylie that you’ve been one of their biggest supporters from the start. How do you feel today?

PAPALIA: (Inaudible) I think the fact that we're here, and this is a real project, and something that's starting and will be open in a year's time is extraordinary. And it is entirely due to Kylie's powerful advocacy. She is actually small but formidable.

JOURNALIST: With that stat of one in five veterans experiencing homelessness, seems pretty high. I mean, this is an area that's been historically underdone, hasn’t it?

KEOGH: The housing support for veterans is something that really sort of went through a bit of a hiatus, where there was provision after the Second World War, and then there hasn't been a lot done after that. And what we saw on census night back in 2022 was, I think it was about 1500 veterans that were homeless that night. And it gives you an indication of just how we are seeing this occur for veterans at a higher rate than we see in the general population. The good side of that, though, is that we know that when those wraparound support services are provided together with housing services, we're actually able to move them through those housing services, get them back onto their feet, get them back into employment and more regularised housing more quickly with those support services, which is a combination of specialist services, as well as what they may be able to access through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs as a veteran ordinarily would be able to. And so, there's a great benefit of having programs like this and it's why we committed as a government to making sure that as part of the Housing Australia Future Fund there was a special set of funding set aside specifically to support not just housing, but those wraparound support services for veterans. So, we can make sure they're housed, it’s a housing first approach as Michelle was saying, but also that those wrap around services are there. It's not just about making sure they have a bed, but that we have in services coming in in terms of mental health and connection to other services as well. And it works really well with our Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs network that we're building out around the country. So that where veterans are accessing a Hub, for example, or their family member is accessing a Hub and is aware that their veteran is going to require housing, maybe at risk of homelessness, that those Hubs are able to work with services like RAAFA and similar services that are building out across the country to connect them to those. But in reverse as well, where you have a veteran that is in a program like here, that they will be able to be connected into those Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs to access those broader services, as well as what's being wrapped around at the housing service as well. Making sure we get those veterans back on their feet faster, can get back into more regular accommodation, get back into employment, or into a rehabilitation program, whatever it is that they need to provide that more holistic support,

JOURNALIST: Just on a very separate issue. Do you have a response to Bob Katter’s outburst yesterday?

KEOGH: Look, I don't think Bob did himself any favours in the way that he reacted to questioning yesterday. The Government's been pretty clear that we're not supportive of the marches that are going to be occurring across the weekend. We are a country that is welcoming of all people, and we celebrate that, and that's what's made our country the great, diverse and prosperous nation that it is, and that's what we will continue to celebrate as a country going forward. Many people have commented on Bob's outburst. I don't think anyone supports it.

JOURNALIST: Perhaps the real point is at the end of the day, the anti-immigration rally, we're all migrants. That's the flash point. Are you surprised about that? Given that most people not matter how far we go back, we’re all migrants?

KEOGH: Australia is an amazing country that builds on a foundation of the longest continuing culture on the planet, and we saw that beautifully displayed today with the smoking ceremony that started our proceedings. And we have built upon that with many different cultures from all across every part of the globe. And as we talk about at our citizenship ceremonies, we all come together believing in the rule of law and our democracy and that great idea of the Australian fair go. But we also continue to celebrate those things that we bring with us in terms of different cultures, cultures and practices and traditions, and we share those with each other, and all of those things coming together, make us uniquely Australian. But also allow us to celebrate those things that made us from, who we are, from where we've come from, whether that was 65,000 years into the past here in Australia, whether it was 200 years ago, whether it was three or four generations ago, or whether it's people who have come to this country much more recent time. We celebrate that diversity, it is what is our key strength in our region and globally, all the people who choose to be here, let's celebrate our Australian values together. We welcome that, we encourage that, and we wish all Australians to feel welcome, and all Australians to feel safe.

JOURNALIST: Can talk a little bit about how much effort, I guess, you put into getting to this point today?

RUSSELL: So just think back to pre-COVID, which seems like a lifetime ago, so way back in February 2020, I was in Adelaide meeting with the staff from the South Australian ARVL Program. And when I left, I spoke to the CEO and said, I cannot get on this plane again and go back to my own home state, knowing that when I go into the comfort of my home, there are veterans in WA that have no place to call home. And so, I asked him if he would be willing to share all of these learnings from ARVL in South Australia to bring to WA. And of course, the response was an absolute yes. And here we are in 2025. I never thought it would take this long to commence a program that we so desperately need for a group of people who are so well respected by our nation. Who we have so much to thank for. So, to answer your question, five years has been an incredibly long time for this dream to come true. But moving forward, we now have the funding from the Federal Government to now proceed with these next steps. Support within WA was almost immediate, and I can't thank RAAFA and the State Government enough. But of course, we are one state in a very large nation that has priorities to care for so many people. But we kept on persisting and putting the voice of the West Australian people there to be heard and to be valued. And today, that has been answered. And I'm so delighted that the Federal Government has provided that final stage of funding to enable ARVL to become a reality. I think, for anyone who is looking to support those in need, when you're in the not-for-profit sector, it's always that little bit harder. There are so many causes that are so important to all of us in our lives, but I think veterans is one of those causes where every single one of us can come together and feel some sense of connection. Whether it's through a grandparent, an uncle, an aunt, a sibling, a child, everyone has some connection to the Defence Force and our veterans. And so, I'd like to keep that today with you, because that connection has been formed, and now the reality of the program is here to support our future veterans in need.

JOURNALIST: You said before Andrew was more concerned about yourself and everyone else before he was leaving, incredibly selfless. Do you mind sharing some words to describe him?

RUSSELL: So, Andrew was in the SAS and the SAS are known for being the very best at what they do. But he was so much more than that, and I think that's reflected on our wedding day when he said to me, ‘I'm not wearing a uniform because I am more than a uniform.’ When he went to Afghanistan, and we had that really difficult conversation of, what do I do if you don't come home? Do you want the military funeral? He said, no. I want to be remembered for who I am, the person I am, and what I value in life, which is helping other people. Going to Afghanistan wasn't about being an SAS soldier, elite in the field, being in a war zone. It was about making a difference, about making this world a safer place for all of us, wherever you live on this planet. His time in East Timor was probably one of the most important to him. When he met people, spoke to them, felt a part of that community, had a sense of belonging, that he was making a difference. That was what it was about. For him, it wasn't about any fame or glory of being a soldier in a war zone. To him, it was actually about stopping wars, stopping the suffering of people's experience, and trying to promote peace. We always talked about that when the words of the politicians fail, that's when the army goes in, that their job is to restore peace, but they should always be requiring the stage to restore peace. So, this is why I think this is so important to him because it’s about the people who were so special to him and supporting them.

JOURNALIST: Sorry, Minister, happy to cover just a couple of issues of the day, if that's okay. There's a keel laying for an Offshore Patrol Vessel happening today, I guess, is that laying the groundwork in a way for the AUKUS work that we'll see years ahead?

PAPALIA: It's actually the keel laying for the sixth Offshore Patrol Vessel, which is the final one now. So, it's more completion of the that last era of shipbuilding, where this vessel is more about fisheries protection and illegal migration interception. But what they're focusing on in the future and the continuous ship building commitment and the strategic ship building partnership with Austal is all about providing lethality to the Navy and the Defence Force. So, the ships that they will be building in the future are about fighting wars. This one is the last with a focus on constabulary.

JOURNALIST: Are you expecting the workforce to transfer over? Is it developing skills sort of useful to have?

PAPALIA: We have a significant workforce engaged in naval shipbuilding and maintenance and submarine sustainment in Western Australia already. It's quite large. It's almost 6000 people in defence industry that work in the state. At its peak, when we are sustaining nuclear submarines and doing continuous ship building, the workforce will grow to around 10,000. The Department of Training and Workforce Development have modelled that. We've got plans in place to support growing the workforce over time. It's a significant period of time, it's like a decade away, and we'll be able to do that

END

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608