Veteran Challenges

Military veterans in Australia often face high unemployment rates, despite their capabilities and competence during their service.

 

This is due to several factors, such as difficulties in translating military skills and experiences to civilian terms, disabilities or mental health stigmas, and the need for specific licenses and qualifications.

 

According to the Veterans' Employment Program in 2019, out of the 641,300 veterans in Australia, one in three were unemployed, while those who were employed received 30% less than their previous positions.

 

Additionally, 19% of veterans were underemployed for their skills and qualifications. For instance, although many veterans have experience in roles similar to civilian jobs, employers often overlook their military experience on resumes.

Australian Veterans may be more likely to experience social isolation than the general population.

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A study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that Veterans were more likely to report feelings of social isolation compared to the general population.

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The study found that almost one-third (32%) of Veterans reported feeling socially isolated, compared to around one-fifth (20%) of the general population. This feeling of isolation was found to be more pronounced for younger Veterans, with almost half (46%) of Veterans aged 18-24 reporting feelings of social isolation.

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The study also found that Veterans were more likely to experience other forms of disadvantage, such as mental health problems and financial stress, as well as relationship breakdown, all of which can contribute to social isolation.

Studies suggest that alcohol dependency issues are more common among Australian veterans compared to the general population.

 

The reasons for this may include the high-stress nature of military service, exposure to trauma and combat, and difficulties in transitioning to civilian life.

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A study by the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health found that current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members were more likely to have consumed alcohol at risky levels compared to the general population. The study also found that veterans were more likely to experience alcohol dependence and related problems.

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Similarly, a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that veterans who had been deployed to conflict zones were at higher risk of alcohol misuse and related problems compared to veterans who had not been deployed.

A study by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, titled "Gambling problems, risk factors, and implication in Australian Veterans" discovered that former serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have a heightened risk of experiencing gambling harm than the wider Australian community.

 

13.4% of transitioned members of the ADF reported experiencing some degree of gambling problem, with 4.6% of them classified as having clinically significant levels of problem gambling and 8.8% at risk of developing a problem.

 

The male, younger, unemployed, junior rank, or medically discharged Veterans were particularly susceptible to developing gambling problems.

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Veterans had similar rates of harmful drinking (11.2%) and alcohol dependence (6.4%), and those Veterans classified as problem gamblers showed high rates of suicidal ideation (43.9%) and plans or attempts (19.5%). 

According to a report published by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in 2018, ADF Veterans were more likely to have high levels of debt, experience financial stress, and struggle to pay bills on time compared to the rest of the population.

 

The report also found that Veterans were more likely to access payday loans, which typically have high interest rates and fees.

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Seperately, research by the NSW RSL indicated that one in five Veterans under the age of 50 are either already seeking financial assistance, or expected to do so.

 

The reasons for these financial challenges are complex and can vary among veterans. Factors such as the length of service, the nature of their military duties, and their post-service career choices can all play a role.

 

Some Veterans may also experience physical or mental health issues related to their service that can impact their ability to earn a living.

A survey by the Department of Veteran Affairs  estimated that more than 5,700 former serving men and women who had recently left the Australian Defence Force would experience homelessness in any 12 month period.  This represents approximately 5.3% of the Veteran population.

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated the total number of Australians homeless during the same period was approximately 0.5%.

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When compared to the rest of the homeless population, homeless Veterans were:

 

• 10% more likely to have reported a chronic illness

• 87% more likely to have Cancer

• more than 4 times more likely to have had more than 9 hospital admissions in the preceding 6 months of the survey being done, and

• 20% more likely to had involuntary psychiatric treatment.