Victorian veterans are encouraged to make their voices heard and ensure their experiences remain at the heart of the Andrews Labor Government’s veteran support services.
Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane has asked the Victorian Veterans Council to commission the third Veterans Sector Study, an assessment of the needs and priorities of veterans and their families, as well as the ex-service and community organisations that support them.
The research will focus on a range of issues, including housing, mental health, employment, education and the impact of the pandemic on the veteran sector.
Veterans, their families and ex-service and other community organisations can contribute to the study until 8 May by completing an online survey or participating in one of the in-person consultations being held across the state, including in regional hubs such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Warrnambool and Mildura.
The study’s findings will inform future government support for the veteran community. This is the third time the Victorian Veterans Council has run the research project, following previous studies in 2008 and 2015. The council’s oversight ensures the study provides an independent assessment of the needs of veterans.
The recommendations of previous studies have driven a range of important projects, including the Public Sector Veterans Employment Strategy,which supports veterans to find jobs across the Victorian public sector. Since 2017, the strategy has assisted 766 veterans into public sector roles, with a target in place to recruit 1500 by June 2025.
Previous studies drove the development of the new Victorian Veterans Council website, which provides information about support available to veterans and their families. To find out more, visit .
The study also led to the 2017-18 War Heritage Roadshow, which ran 15 sessions across the state teaching Victorians how to conserve family memorabilia and learn more about the history of objects in their homes.
To find an in-person focus group near you or complete the online survey, please visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane
“Our veterans have demonstrated immense commitment and sacrifice for the broader community through their service – and this study will ensure their experiences remain at the heart of our work.”
“I encourage all veterans and their families to have their say.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Veterans Council Chair Commodore Greg Yorke
“We believe Victoria’s veteran community should play a critical role in determining Government policy and programs aimed at supporting them. We look forward to delivering the Veterans Sector Study to help ensure this can remain the case.”