Strategies for Victoria’s veterans

Find out how we plan to support the Victorian veterans now and into the future.

In 2015 a Veterans Sector Study Report highlighted the priorities for Victorian veterans. It was commissioned by the Victorian Veterans Council (VVC) to better understand today’s veteran sector.

The Report made 14 recommendations all of which were accepted and we are now working with the community and the VVC to deliver these.

Since 2015 we have:

  • reviewed Victoria’s legislation relevant to veterans and found that it continues to support veterans and their families in Victoria
  • facilitated three Roundtables to better coordinate and plan with the veterans sector
  • developed a Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy and a Transition to Victoria Guide of online resources for veterans and their families separating from the ADF

In 2018/19 we will continue to deliver the 14 recommendations by:

  • spending $2.42 million over two years to improve and enhance ex-service organisations' facilities, such as RSL and Legacy buildings as they play an important role in the life of Victorian communities
  • delivering information sessions to build capacity and capabilities of Victoria’s ex-service organisations to meet current and future needs
  • spending $0.344 million to support Veterans Employment Initiatives
  • evaluating the Veterans Transitional Accommodation project
  • developing a business case for a Veterans’ Services Hub, to better support veterans and their families

Veterans Sector Study Report 2015 Recommendations

Recommendation number Government response
1 Support the VVC to develop and implement a communications strategy through the Veterans Branch of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
2 Review the Veterans Act 2005 and any other legislation relevant to veterans, in conjunction with the VVC and the broader veterans community.
3 Request the VVC conduct Roundtable/s to identify and address barriers to veterans accessing support services.
Investigate the provision of an on-line information portal for Victoria’s veterans.
4 Promote positive messaging in relation to veterans in communicating with the Victorian community.
Identify and provide opportunities for eligible veterans to access diversity and leadership programs and support (e.g. the Victorian Women’s Governance Diversity Scholarship Program).
Develop a strategy to engage the Victorian Aboriginal community, as well as multicultural and diverse communities in commemorative events and activities.
Extend the Victoria Remembers program to support activities relating to all conflicts, with a specific focus on younger veterans and recent conflicts.
Investigate opportunities to recognise the contribution of veterans in the Parliament of Victoria around ANZAC Day.
Continue to work with the Shrine of Remembrance to explore further commemorative and educational opportunities.
5 Develop a Transition to Victoria Information Package for veterans and their families separating from the ADF.
Work with the Victorian Veterans Council, RSL (Vic) and the broader veterans community to develop and implement a Victorian Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy.
6 Support ESOs to increase their capability for digital engagement with the veteran community (outlined in Recommendation 12).
7 Use existing data sets and methodologies to develop a clearer demographic profile of veterans in Victoria.
Develop a Whole-of-Government approach to the collection of veterans data for those accessing state-based services and programs
Work with ESOs to develop methods for collecting data on veterans accessing their services.

Investigate opportunities for enhanced cooperation with the Federal Government on capture of veteran data.
Advocate for the inclusion of an ABS Census question on veteran status.
8 As per previous response
9 Request the VVC conduct a Roundtable/s to achieve a greater level of coordination and planning within the veterans sector to address veteran needs.
10 Consider ways to strengthen the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund’s capacity to provide better veteran specific welfare.
Consider how Patriotic Funds can best respond to the changing needs of the veteran community.
Consider how existing government services can address any service gaps identified by the VVC Roundtable (as above).
11 See Government actions outlined in Recommendation 10.
12 Increase the organisational capability of ESOs to include areas such as governance, modernising volunteer practice and digital engagement through information and training.
13 No action required at this stage however, the Government will consider recommendations made by the VVC in the future.
14 Develop and deliver Stage 2 of the History and Heritage Strategy framework for maintaining and conserving war heritage (built and non-built)
Continue to advise and guide ESOs on winding up operations to ensure that assets and memorabilia are transferred in a manner that ensures that it remains available to the community.
Provide annual training sessions for ESOs and other associations responsible for patriotic funds to ensure good governance practices.

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