Expanding Legacy's support for veteran families

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respect to Elders past and present.

I also acknowledge all those who have served, or continue to serve our nation in uniform, and the families who support them.

Thank you as well to the families of veterans who join us today, this really is all about you.

Announcement

Good morning everyone and thank you for joining us here at the Australian War Memorial.

This place is a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice of Australians in uniform and their families, and a call to honour that service.

For over 100 years, that has been Legacy’s purpose.

A promise to provide care for veterans and their families long after their uniform has been hung up.

A promise that has endured through every conflict and every generation of service.

And now, with today’s announcement, a promise that will live on well into the future.

Until today, a veteran needed to have completed a period of operational service before their family could be welcomed into Legacy’s care under its national code.

Now, by removing that requirement from the national code, thousands more partners and children will be able to access support.

This is a strong commitment because Legacy already supports some 28,000 people.

Supporting families with social connection, financial relief, education scholarships, mentoring and youth camps — helping ensure no family faces undue hardship because of their loved one’s service.

The Royal Commission

Today’s announcement is a change that matters.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide laid bare the complex and far-reaching impacts of military service — not just on those who serve, but on their families too.

It showed us that service leaves marks that are not always visible — mental health challenges, transition difficulties, isolation, intergenerational effects — and that these burdens can affect families regardless of whether the service was operational or peacetime.

The Royal Commission made many recommendations for reform.

One clear theme was the need for better, earlier, and broader support for veterans and families of veterans.

Legacy’s decision to expand eligibility is a powerful response to those findings — a practical, compassionate step that helps deliver the kind of systemic change the Commission called for.

Responding to the 122 recommendations is a key focus of our Government.

Since our response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report in December 2024, we’ve been working to bring about a significant shift across the ex-service community to have a deeper focus on wellbeing.

We produced the first ever Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy and have been working with researchers and experts to better understand the needs of our veteran community.

From July, the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency will be up and running, providing a more connected system of support for ADF personnel, veterans and families.

The agency will have a focus on transition to civilian life and early intervention and prevention.

Importantly, the new agency will have a remit for complex case management, encompassing service coordination and referral, providing wrap around services for at-risk veterans and their families to make sure no one falls through the gaps.

Last year we stood up the Defence and Veteran Service Commission, a new independent oversight body to keep government accountable on the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

This was something the Royal Commission Final Report described as its most important recommendation and will drive systemic change.

This is on top of our ongoing investment to expand our network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs, offering close-to-home, one-stop shops for a range of wellbeing and support services to veteran families.

As we get on with the job of enhancing our system to support veteran wellbeing, working in partnership with organisations like Legacy is of vital importance.

And so on behalf of the Albanese Government I thank Legacy for what you are announcing today.

It will have a profound impact, today and into the future.

And it will mean so much to families of veterans who are experiencing hardship and grief and need support.

New Support

Because of what’s being announced today, Legacy will support families of all veterans who have served full-time — permanent members, those with operational service, and reservists who have completed continuous full-time duty.

For younger families — especially those with veterans transitioning out of Defence due to health reasons — it means access to education support, mentoring, youth programs and wellbeing help during a critical life change.

For older partners of peacetime veterans, it means the chance to find connection through morning teas, outings, and community events — combating isolation and rebuilding belonging.

For bereaved families, it means continued support and the opportunity to turn grief into purpose by becoming volunteer members and mentoring others.

This change builds on the existing support that is offered to veterans families.

It is designed to make sure no family falls through the cracks because of how or when their loved one served.

Closing

Through 100 years of mateship in action, Legacy has a special place in the heart of our veteran community.

Today’s announcement only strengthens our national commitment to serve those who love those who serve.

To our serving ADF members and their families — please know that Legacy is there for you. Reach out if you need help.

To Legacy’s volunteer members — thank you. You are the living embodiment of mateship. Your work makes this expansion possible.

And to every Australian — supporting veterans’ families is a national responsibility. If you can volunteer, donate or simply spread the word, please do so.

Together, we keep the promise — for every generation.

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