The Defence Veteran Research and Evaluation Advisory Group (DVREAG) provides independent expert advice to the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) on research and evaluation matters that support improved wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.

The DVREAG is a non-decision-making advisory group that draws on members' expertise and lived experience to inform research planning, governance, publication activities and the translation of research evidence into practice.

The Advisory Group carries out a range of functions:

• Advising on current and future research and evaluation needs relevant to Defence and DVA.
• Providing advice to support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.
• Offering expert guidance on existing and planned research and evaluation activities.
• Identifying emerging research trends, priorities and opportunities in Australia and internationally.

Membership

The DVREAG brings together representatives from Defence, DVA, academia and the private sector.

Membership reflects a broad range of expertise, perspectives and experience across veterans' affairs, healthcare, rehabilitation, family support, First Nations perspectives, and lived experience of suicidality and related issues.

Defence provides secretariat support to the Advisory Group.

Compliance and governance

The DVREAG was established in response to Recommendation 117 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which recommended that the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs establish an expert committee on veteran research.

Implementation of the advisory group was completed in 2025, including the development of its Terms of Reference, membership and meeting schedule. The DVREAG held its inaugural meeting in February 2026.

The DVREAG will meet a minimum of twice per year. Additional or out-of-session meetings may be considered at the Chair's discretion.

The DVREAG will provide advice and progress reports through the Co-Chairs to the Deputy Secretary Defence People and Deputy Secretary DVA, as required. A report on the activities of the DVREAG and recommendations for finalisation of the Terms of Reference is to be produced for both Deputy Secretaries no later than March 2027.