The Minns Labor Government is expanding support for the families of veterans as part of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030 released today.
The strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach to support the wellbeing of veterans and their families and acknowledge their vital contribution to NSW.
Building on the inaugural Veterans Strategy released in 2021, the strategy continues vital support while taking a greater focus on women veterans, along with the spouses and the children of veterans.
Key additions to the strategy include:
- Building on the successful public service Veterans Employment Program by developing peer-support networks for veteran employees. The Veterans Employment program has been adopted by 30 councils and helped more than 1,000 veterans into jobs across NSW
- Developing career resources for veterans' partners. This digital road map will also deliver resources to educate employers, policymakers, and stakeholders about the experience of spouses and partners
- Supporting the children of veterans by promoting resources for schools and teachers of defence force-connected students, such as when transitioning between schools.
- Providing greater flexibility of school enrolment requirements for the children of veterans until a family has secured housing.
- The NSW Office of Veterans Affairs is partnering with RSL NSW and Monash University on an important research project aimed at improving support services for women veterans in NSW.
The NSW Government has considered last year's recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the Commonwealth Government's response in finalising this strategy.
The Government's ongoing engagement with veterans, their families and ex-service organisations has ensured lived experience has remained central to the strategy.
Its suite of programs and initiatives aims to ease the transition into civilian life for veterans and their families and honour service.
Other components of the strategy include:
- Supporting the continued roll out of Veterans and Families Hubs that provide wellbeing services, support and opportunities for veterans and their families, with 5 hubs open and more to be announced soon
- Resources to help veterans into employment and to establish or grow their careers such as conducting 'jobs ready' workshops for veterans and promote veteran friendly employment opportunities
- Delivering a new memorial to acknowledge our contemporary veterans and their families.
- Support for veterans affected by problem gambling.
Key actions of the current strategy are available in the NSW Veterans Strategy 2023-2024 Final Report.
To download a copy of the NSW Veterans Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030.
Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:
"I am pleased to announce the second Veterans Strategy which will allow the NSW Government to better recognise, inform and support the almost 130,000 veterans and their families who call NSW home.
"This strategy is focussed on the experiences of veterans and their families, and the issues that matter most to them.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering outcomes to support veterans and their families and recognise them for the sacrifices they have made.
"The Strategy continues the great work of the first NSW Veterans Strategy and includes a number of new programs, initiatives and partnerships."
