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.
Bases across Australia are set to host a larger contingent of US troops and military equipment as part of a new deal struck between the nations. Minister for Defence Peter Dutton and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne have confirmed plans to bolster the United States’ military presence in Australia after meeting with Secretary of State […]
The announcements of Australia’s new security partnership with the United States and United Kingdom, and that we will be working with them to build nuclear-powered (not nuclear armed) submarines in Australia, is the most important defence initiative of our time. We know that the security outlook in our region is changing quickly. We owe it […]
To the veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force, families, friends, and others in the wider Defence community who have engaged with my work. I am writing to let you know that my appointment as the interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention concludes today. It has been my very great privilege […]
ANNOUNCING the SAS will from now be commanded by a full colonel delivered an unintended insult to every serving Australian lieutenant colonel. Read More
You would no doubt be aware that the AWM is undertaking a significant development. Details can be found here, including a fly-through video https://www.awm.gov.au/ourcontinuingstory/ourplans You are encouraged to participate in the public consultation process being run by the National Capital AuthorityNCA-public-consultation-letter-FINAL3-1Download It is important that as many veteran and ex-services voices are heard as part of […]
The events in Kabul are a murderous atrocity and if anyone was ever in any doubt about the righteousness of the Australian mission in Afghanistan this is a brutal reminder of the terrorists and criminals we were fighting against and the threats they posed to our national security and security of the world. I would […]
In late 2020, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) began conducting its fieldwork for the Client Satisfaction Survey (the Survey). I am pleased to announce that the 2020 results are now available. The Survey seeks to help us understand how veterans and families feel about their interactions with DVA, and how we can improve the way […]
August 18, 2021, is a date that will now resonate with Australian veterans of another war, frustrated how their Afghan colleagues have been shamelessly abandoned. Their fate seems as final as our withdrawal. READ MORE
Ex-service organisations from across the nation have met with the Australian Government today to throw their support behind efforts underway to assist veterans and families impacted by the situation in Afghanistan. The Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs convened the extraordinary meeting of the Ex-Service Organisations (ESO) Roundtable, bringing together key players in the […]
Wednesday the 18th August is Vietnam Veterans’ Day – an opportunity for our country to pause and remember the service and sacrifice of the Australians during the Vietnam War, and to acknowledge the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the Vietnam War was […]
This is a distressing time for many of our Defence personnel and veterans who served our nation in Afghanistan with courage, dignity and honour, and made such a significant contribution to the allied military effort. We must never forget the 41 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Australia owes a great debt […]
Commentary: Whatever Floats Your Boat
I see no ships but hardships. Sail on! Finally, some sense on subs | Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)