Office of Veterans Affairs
The establishment of the Office of Veterans Affairs was one of the recommendations included in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, published on 09 February 2022.
The 2025 Program for Government committed to establishing a properly resourced Office of Veterans’ Affairs, based within the Department of Defence and working across Government to assist with the needs of our veterans.
The Office of Veterans Affairs was formally established on 10 November 2025.
The intention of the Office is to engage and advocate within Government on matters pertaining to veterans as a whole, rather than individuals. This will have a particular focus on the development of supports for veterans at a group level and involve consulting other Government Departments who may be able to contribute to enhancing veterans’ access to benefits.
Within the Memo to Government was a commitment to produce a 12-month plan for the establishment of the OVA. This is essential to guide the structured establishment of this new office and set realistic expectations.
This Work Plan will outline the future direction of the Office over the next 12 months, which will include the evaluation and exploration of the four roles and responsibilities: Partnership, Advocacy, Research, Veterans Policy.
To View Work Plan. please click here: Office of Veterans Affairs Workplan (Feb 26)