The Alliance (ADSO) is the Defence Family’s advocate to governments, parliaments and the Australian people. It’s role is to care for the well-being of the Defence Family and protect their service entitlements.
Defence has set out a four-year plan to reform the culture of the ADF, weed out wrongdoers and strip medals from unworthy recipients, in its long-awaited response to the Brereton war crimes inquiry. The report, uploaded quietly to the Afghanistan inquiry website on July 30, sets out a plan to restore trust and confidence in […]
In establishing a Royal Commission into veteran suicide, the Government gavestrong recognition to not only the depth of feeling within the veteran communityregarding such tragedies but also as to how all sides of politics within both Houses ofthe Parliament spoke as one voice in support of a formal judicial inquiry. The Alliance of Defence Service […]
From the Secretary DVA. “Today the Prime Minister the Hon Scott Morrison MP announced that the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency, General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), has signed the Letters Patent, officially establishing the Royal Commission. The Letters Patent formally appoint the Commissioners and outline the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission. These […]
Nick Kaldas to lead Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Scott Morrison has appointed former NSW police deputy commissioner Nick Kaldas to lead the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Speaking at Kirribilli House on Thursday, the Prime Minister revealed the terms of reference for the inquiry which followed months of consultations. Mr […]
The Repatriation Medical Authority (the Authority) gives notice under section 196G of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA) that, pursuant to subsection 196B(7A) of the VEA, it intends to carry out an investigation in respect of xylene as a factor in sensorineural hearing loss. This investigation will be carried out in the context of […]
AUSTRALIANS are encouraged to pause and remember the legacy and valuable contribution of Australia’s First Nations’ service men and women this NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week, held from 4 – 11 July, is a national celebration of the world’s oldest living cultures and highlights the strengths and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our […]
May 2021: ADA (Australian Defence Apparel) set to unveil future-ready apparel systems for the modern war fighter at this year’s Land Forces Expo. The 2021 Land Forces Expo in Brisbane will display a complete suite of ADA’s apparel innovations in the Soldier Combat Ensemble sphere. Building on ADA’s ethos of human-centred design, the group will demonstrate […]
The Prime Minister has announced proposed changes to the Ministry following consultation with the Deputy Prime Minister. There are a number of changes, including to the Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel portfolios. The Hon Andrew Gee MP will join the Cabinet and serve as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel. Further information […]
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission honours the 1.7 million people across both World Wars who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield, ensuring they are never forgotten. This article looks at the history of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and its vital work today. During gruelling and bloody First World War battles, great swathes […]
Navy Veterans Salute the ‘Forgotten War’ On Thursday 24th June at 10.30 am the N.A.A. (Naval Association of Australia Queensland) will highlight the service of members of the Royal Australia Navy in the Korean War. See the Naval Association of Australia Queensland Section’s Media Release.Media-Media-February-12Download A short ceremony is held at 10.30am on the last Thursday […]
Below is a comment from Liz Cosson, Secretary DVA, regarding this recent Full Federal Court decision. The decision does not affect any DVA payments as such, but it highlights a broader concern that DFWA has with the connectivity between the various government agencies that impact of veterans and their families. I recommend that you read […]
Opinion – Shame in Walking Away from Afghanistan
THERE are multiple historic examples why the nation known variously as Afghanistan has been termed “the graveyard of empires”. Now, after 20 years of continuous involvement in the latest failed international intervention in Afghan affairs, Australia has also become complicit in walking away from those Afghans who saw a chance for a better life, and […]