THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ
27 July 2026
VETERANS’ MINISTERIAL COUNCIL
Ministers responsible for veterans’ matters at the Federal, State and Territory levels met today to continue the momentum on implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and to discuss opportunities to collaborate to improve support for veterans and families of veterans.
Update on the Implementation of the Royal Commission recommendations
The Council noted the Australian Government’s ongoing implementation of the response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, including significant reforms that commenced on 1 July 2026. Ministers welcomed progress towards a simpler veteran support system through the introduction of a single ongoing legislative framework for veteran entitlements and the establishment of the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency. Ministers also noted continued investment in veteran health, wellbeing, research and suicide prevention initiatives, and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between governments, veterans, families, ex-service organisations and service providers to improve outcomes for veterans and families across Australia. Ministers agreed to continue working to implement recommendations of the Royal Commission which require collaboration between all jurisdictions to be achieved, including the development of postvention resources (Recommendation 77), employment pathways for ex-serving members in public sector agencies (Recommendation 85), improved coordination with coroners and the National Coronial information system (Recommendation 105) and the establishment of the National Veterans’ Data Asset (Recommendation 107).
War Graves and Burial Plot Tenure
The Council discussed the need for a nationally consistent approach to cemetery tenure and renewal for official commemorations. Ministers agreed to establish a working group to develop shared definitions of war graves and post-war dead graves for use at state and local levels, consider consistent operational guidance and implementation pathways, and report back to the Veterans’ Ministerial Council. This work will support respectful and consistent treatment of official commemoration nationally.
Mental Health Referral Pathways
Ministers discussed partnerships between Open Arms and state and territory mental health sectors to establish consistent referral pathways for veterans and their families requiring mental health support, with a focus on areas with a high concentration of veterans. The program will provide coordinated, wrap-around support, supplemented by Open Arms services, under a nationally consistent framework that can be adapted to jurisdictional requirements.
25th Anniversary of Australian Service in Afghanistan
The Council discussed planning for the national commemorative service marking the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan. The Council noted progress on arrangements for the service to be held on 11 October 2026 and acknowledged the importance of recognising the service and sacrifice of Australians who contributed to operations in Afghanistan. Ministers also noted ongoing engagement with veterans, families and key stakeholders to support the delivery of a respectful and inclusive commemoration.
Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency
The Council was provided with an update on the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, which commenced operations on 1 July 2026 in response to Recommendation 87 of the Royal Commission. The Agency is making the wellbeing system easier to navigate and is focused on prevention and early support for serving members, veterans and families. Ministers were introduced to Mr Brendan Cox, who started in the role of inaugural Chief Executive of the Agency today.
Ex-Service Organisation Peak Body
The Council was provided with a briefing on work to establish an independent, sector-led national peak body for veteran-serving organisations in response to Recommendation 89 of the Royal Commission. The peak body is intended to unify the sector around a common purpose, strengthen representation to government, improve coordination and capability across the veteran support ecosystem, and support improved outcomes for veterans and families. Ministers were advised that extensive consultation is informing the proposed role, functions and structure of the peak body.
SA Veterans Court Initiative
The Council was briefed on the South Australian Veterans Court Pilot Program — an Australian first. Ministers were advised that it is a positive step towards improved support for veterans interacting with the justice system.
Jurisdictional Update
State and Territory Ministers briefed Council Members on significant veteran related initiatives underway to improve outcomes for veterans and their families across Australia.
MEDIA CONTACT: DVA Media – [email protected]
Ministerial attendees
- Australian Government (Chair): The Hon Matt Keogh MP
- New South Wales: The Hon David Harris MP
- Northern Territory: The Hon Jinson Charls MLA
- Queensland: Janelle Poole APM MP
- South Australia: The Hon Chris Picton MP
- Tasmania: The Hon Gavin Pearce MP