Media release – 18 February 2025 We commend the Government and Minister for Veterans, the Hon Matt Keogh for driving the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (VETS) Bill 2024 forward and bringing about long-needed reform that will simplify the legislative framework for 581,000 Australian veterans. The Families of Veterans Guild views the harmonisation of the […]
On 13 February 2025, the Senate referred an inquiry into Compensation and Income Support for Veterans to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference Committee for investigation and reporting by 5 August 2025. As part of our advocacy work, we are collating input, feedback and experiences from all members of our community. What is the
Compensation and income support for veterans: have your say Read More »
Advocacy, Important Updates
The passage of the Veterans Harmonisation Bill marks a significant shift in the veteran support system. While it streamlines veteran entitlements under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) from July 2026, there remain critical areas requiring further improvement—particularly in recognising and supporting families of veterans and removing disadvantages within the Act for war widows
The Veterans Harmonisation Bill: what it means for war widows and what comes next Read More »
Advocacy, Contribution, Important Updates, Opinion Pieces
On Friday 7 February, our CEO, Renee Wilson, provided crucial evidence to the Senate Committee investigating the integrity of the Defence Honours and Awards System. This appearance amplifies the voices of veteran families and war widows who have shared their perspectives with us over the years. It isn’t often that the voices of families of
Missed our special November issue honouring War Widows Day? Dive into the stories of courage and sacrifice. War Widows Day, observed annually on 19 October, honours the sacrifices of Australia’s war widows. In 2024, Our November Guild Digest highlighted not only how Families of Veterans Guild celebrated War Widows Day, but told the deeply personal
Stories of courage and sacrifice Read More »
eNewsletters, Member Stories
A step forward, but more needs to be done On Monday, 2 December 2024, the Australian Government released its response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Final Report. While the government has agreed to many of the Commission’s recommendations, including the establishment of a Veteran Wellbeing Agency within DVA, more needs to
Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report Read More »
Advocacy