No deterrence without retention: National Defence Strategy

The 2026 National Defence Strategy commits a record $425 billion to keeping Australia safe, yet names families only four times. Drawing on our 2025 Veteran Families Survey, our CEO Renee Wilson makes the case that there is no deterrence without retention — and no retention without genuinely supporting the families who carry the long-term consequences of service. Read her piece on why meaningful action for defence and veteran families is a national imperative.