Veteran Friendly Government
Every level of Government is crucial in addressing Veteran challenges. But to make real change, one level in particular is under utilised - Local Government.
From country towns to major metropolitan centres, every Council is connected to local businesses, community groups and existing support organisations.
Veteran Friendly Australia's aim is to have State and Federal Government support to ensure all 500+ Councils around Australia are certified "Veteran Friendly" by 2025.
Veteran Friendly Local Government
Improving outcomes for Veterans takes a community effort.
And at the centre of every community is a Council. By leveraging their networks and connections to local businesses, community groups and existing support organisations, Veteran Friendly Australia works with Councils to develop localised Veteran engagement strategies.
Veteran Inclusion Community Action Plans (VICAP)
Just as Councils have dedicated plans for other sectors of their local community, such as Disability Inclusion Action Plans, developing a strategy that defines ways to support resident Veterans should become mandatory within every Australian Local Government Area (LGA).
Veteran Landing
Pads
Transitioning out of the ADF and back into civilian life is often the most challenging period for a Veteran. Adding a local 'welcome' & resources page on a Council's website for newly arriving Veteran residents can help the transition phase significantly, especially for families..
Community Engagement
More than 5,000 current serving ADF members will leave the military this year, starting new lives all around Australia. Arriving with few social connections or professional networks, Councils can help connect Veterans with their new local community, for mutual benefit.
Veteran Friendly State Governments
Every State and Territory Government has Veteran Affairs resources dedicated to creating opportunities and assisting vulnerable Veterans. By supporting Veteran Friendly Australia's community-based initiatives, Veterans stand a better chance of being aware of assistance available in their local area.
Support for Local
VICAPs
With State and Territory Governments having ultimate accountability for Councils, the implementation of Veteran Inclusion Community Action Plans will not succeed without input and support. VICAPs will in fact integrate with State-based initiatives, ensuring better overall outcomes.
All of Government Approach
Just as Veteran Friendly Australia believes improved outcomes for Veterans is only possible with broad community input, State and Territory Governments need an all-of-Government approach. This includes greater awareness of how military service creates unique demands on Gov't services.
Research
Partnerships
Improving Veteran outcomes requires an ongoing commitment to improving insights of both issues and solutions. Veteran Friendly Australia seeks two-way partnerships with State & Territory Governments to improve availability of meaningful data and information.
Veteran Friendly Federal Government
The Australian Government has primary responsibility for Veteran support and wellbeing.
Being A Part of Transition
For the VICAP initiative to be successful, Veteran Friendly Australia needs to ensure ADF members transitioning back into civilian life are aware of the support available to them in their new location. We seek partnerships with Defence & DVA to ensure this happens as a part of the transition process.
Access to Data & Insights
The rolling out of Veteran Friendly Australia's various initiatives will enable the capture of significant data and development of unique insights. Equally, our ability to contribute to positive Veteran outcomes will be improved with access to and participation in future data and research projects.
Developing National Accreditation
Veteran Friendly Australia is leading the creation of Australia's first formal accreditation Standard, that will provide best practice processes for organisations committed to improve Veteran wellbeing. The Australian Government can and should be a key partner in this critical initiative.
Now is the time to Lead.
Recent electoral outcomes at both state and federal levels suggest that Australians are demanding more of their political leaders across a broad range of policy areas. From climate change to social justice issues, everyday Australians are demanding real action from their elected leaders.
Veteran Friendly Australia is creating a new and innovative roadmap for improving outcomes for some of Australia's most vulnerable community members. This will only be possible with both political and departmental support at all three levels of Government. We Look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to create opportunities and decrease risks for current and former ADF members.