Minister for VETERANS' AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
3 November 2026
FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL PEAK BODY FOR VETERANS' ORGANISATIONS
Veterans will soon benefit from strengthened representation as the government progresses a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The Albanese Government is investing $7.4 million over four years to support the establishment and initial operations of an independent, member-based, not-for-profit national peak body for ex-service organisations (ESOs) and veteran-serving organisations (VSOs).
The funding delivers on recommendation 89 of the Royal Commission, which called for the establishment of a national peak body for ESOs.
Expressions of interest are now open to recruit the initial Board of Directors for the national peak body, with interviews to be conducted by an independent selection panel.
This announcement follows the recent completion of the National Peak Body Project led by Special Advisor Nick Booth MVO with support from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. The project was guided by a Steering Committee made up of representatives from a range of veteran focused organisations.
Through engagement with more than 170 organisations and around 500 individuals, the project confirmed there is broad support for a peak body across the veteran sector and laid the foundations for an independent and sector-led organisation that will represent the veteran community.
The intent of the peak body is to support the sector work together more effectively, strengthen representation on issues affecting veterans and families, and provide a clear and consistent voice on matters of national importance to the veteran community.
The funding announced today will enable recruitment and appointment of the initial Board of Directors, while supporting the delivery of activities required to create a sustainable, independent body that will be led by the sector, for the sector in support of veterans and their families.
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