We’ve called for a matched election commitment from the Australian Labor Party—and here’s why it matters.

Last week, the Families of Veterans Guild welcomed a landmark commitment from the Liberal National Party, pledging $5 million over four years to expand support for the families of Australian veterans. This is the first time a major party has made a funding commitment specifically focused on families—a long-overdue recognition of their vital role in Australia’s defence and veteran community.

Now, we’re calling on the Australian Labor Party to match it.
This is more than just a budget line—it’s a moment to drive real, lasting change.

Why this commitment matters

Every veteran has a story, and so does every family. With more than 700,000 families in Australia living with the impacts of military service, the need for inclusive, trauma-informed support has never been more urgent.

Veteran families often face a complex web of challenges—emotional stress, long-term caring responsibilities, grief, financial insecurity and systems that weren’t built with them in mind. For too long, many of these families have fallen through the cracks.

This $5 million commitment is about:

• Expanding trauma-informed casework to families in need
• Scaling peer support programs that connect people with shared experience
• Growing wellbeing activities and career development opportunities
• Building a system that works for families—not just veterans themselves

“Families are the backbone of our Defence Force. A stronger, more sustainable and resilient defence and veteran community cannot be achieved without supporting the families of veterans.”
— Tricia Hobson, Chair, Families of Veterans Guild

Watch: why families need support now

In this short video, we hear directly from a veteran family about the challenges they’ve faced—and why expanded support services can’t wait.

📽️ Watch now here

This story is just one of many. And it represents a truth our sector knows well: when families do well, veterans do too.

A system stuck in the past

For nearly 100 years, the model of care for veteran families in Australia has barely changed. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made it clear: families are not just “supporters” of veterans—they are impacted in their own right and need to be part of any lasting solution.

The Coalition has stepped up. Now it’s Labor’s turn.

Real change needs bipartisan support

This election, we’re asking for bipartisan support for veteran families. The need is clear. The community is ready. Endorsements from across the sector show how critical this investment is.

But time is short—and we need your voice.

How you can help

• Email your local MP and State Senators—tell them you support funding for veteran families.
• Contact the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and urge them to match this commitment.
• Share the video and our message on social media using the hashtags:
  #StandWithVeteranFamilies #VeteranFamiliesMatter #Election2025 #BipartisanSupport
• Read and share our media release: here

Veteran families have carried the cost of service quietly for generations. It’s time they were seen, heard and supported.

Let’s make sure no one is left behind.

Watch and listen to the voices of veteran families below.