Have your say on improving transition services
Current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), their families and ex-service organisations have the opportunity to provide feedback to the Joint Transition Authority (JTA) through a series of online consultation sessions.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, says input from the Defence and veteran community will be used to ensure that ADF members and their families are better prepared and supported through all stages of the transition from Defence to civilian life.
“I encourage all those who have transitioned or supported a loved one through the process, as well as the broader Defence and veteran community, to engage with the JTA and put forward ideas on how we can improve transition, but also on what is working well at the moment,” Mr Chester says.
The JTA was established in October 2020 as recommended by the Productivity Commission.
Located within the Department of Defence, the authority operates in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).
Until now, the focus has been largely internal as Defence, DVA and the CSC co-ordinate efforts to improve and integrate transition services offered across these agencies. Now the JTA wants to hear from those directly affected by the transition process.
“Only by working together – government, Defence, DVA and the broader ex-service community – can we create a system that ensures our ADF personnel and their families have the best possible transition,” Mr Chester says.
Mr Chester says the JTA will work closely with key stakeholders including federal, state and territory government bodies, ex-service organisations and other groups to “connect and improve” services, such as health care and employment support, on behalf of transitioning members of the ADF.
Anyone interested in taking part in the online consultations can register by contacting jta.engagement@defence.gov.au.
If you or someone you know need support you can contact:
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
ADF All-hours Line: 1800 628 036.
Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046