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A new forum dedicated to improving housing support and wellbeing for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families has been established through collaboration between Defence and key support organisations.
The Defence Families Roundtable brings together Defence Housing Australia (DHA), Defence Families of Australia (DFA), and the Department of Defence through its Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) and Defence Relocations and Housing (DRH) branches.
The roundtable aims to foster regular, meaningful engagement between organisations to drive improvements in policy and services. The initiative reflects Defence’s growing focus on community wellbeing and supports the uplift in capability outlined in the Defence Strategic Review.
Key focus areas for the roundtable include:
- Housing entitlements and flexible accommodation solutions.
- Environmental, social and governance considerations.
- The overall wellbeing of ADF members and their families.
- Open, responsive communication with Defence families.
The roundtable has convened twice in 2025, with early discussions centred on increasing support for families living with special needs, and upcoming talks to address domestic and family violence awareness.
DHA managing director Andrew Jaggers said the new forum would provide a critical space for collaboration: “The Defence Families Roundtable is a dedicated forum for information sharing and robust discussion around the services provided to ADF families, including housing.”
To support the push for genuine feedback, DHA has launched its Annual Occupant Survey this week. The survey is issued to over 28,000 ADF members residing in DHA-managed properties across Australia, offering crucial insights into housing satisfaction and preferences. The results will help guide future housing policy decisions.
Jaggers added, “DHA, DFA and Defence will capture and share data on current services and lived experience to shape policy recommendations and support family preferences. In a tight housing market, we’re working together to ensure ADF members have access to quality homes and support.”
Director-general of Defence Member and Family Support, Libby Cremen, welcomed the initiative, saying, “DMFS is committed to improving the lived experience of Defence families by working alongside DHA and DFA.”
“This roundtable allows us to connect on issues that matter most to families. It enables greater coordination, information sharing and collaboration to deliver better outcomes for those who underpin Defence capability.”
DFA head Charlotte Webb said the forum provides a valuable opportunity to represent the real-world experiences of families, “This roundtable allows DFA to share lived experiences directly with decision makers and service providers,” Webb said.
“It helps uncover core issues and promotes practical, collaborative solutions. Families’ voices are being heard and the shared commitment from all parties is driving genuine improvements to support,” Webb added.
