Women Veterans Australia welcomes the recent statement from the Repatriation Commission and Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner reaffirming the vital role of veteran advocates in supporting Defence members and their families.
Every year, around 6,000 personnel transition from service to civilian life. While most adjust well, many rely on the care, guidance, and integrity of Ex-Service Organisation (ESO) advocates to navigate complex systems and access the support they’ve earned.
We strongly support efforts to protect the integrity of the advocacy system and call out unethical commercial practices that exploit veterans and their families. Advocacy must always be centred on wellbeing, not profit.
As reforms progress, including the establishment of a National Institute of Veterans’ Advocacy, WVA remains committed to working alongside DVA, the Repatriation Commission, and the broader ESO community to ensure every veteran and their family can access trusted, ethical, and effective support.
Veterans and families can find free, accredited advocacy support via the Advocacy Register on the DVA website.