Defence is taking action to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the Defence and veteran community. Setting conditions that empower and support mental health and wellbeing during recruitment, service, employment, deployment, transition and post-Defence life are of the utmost importance.

The Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2030 is a joint initiative between Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). The shared vision is:

'Members of the Defence and veteran community are empowered and supported for optimal mental health and wellbeing during service or employment, during transition to civilian life and beyond.'

The strategy prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of our people from recruitment to post-service life through 6 goals:

1. promote and assist wellbeing
2. improve mental health and wellbeing through prevention and early intervention
3. facilitate timely access to quality care and support
4. grow a positive and connected Defence and veteran community
5. prioritise suicide prevention initiatives
6. use high quality evidence and data to drive positive outcomes.

The strategy was launched on 4 September 2025 by the Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

Resources

Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 (PDF, 6.93 MB)

Two action plans, jointly managed by Defence and DVA, set out the program of work to achieve the strategy.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan (PDF, 2.06 MB)

Suicide Prevention Action Plan (PDF, 2.7 MB)