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Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester officially launched the Veterans’ Families and Veterans’ Employment forums in Sydney, which will be running in conjunction with the 2018 Invictus Games.
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Subject matter experts and decision makers from Australia and overseas will participate in the forums, showcasing world best-practice ideas, programs and services and discussing future policy actions to secure better outcomes for veterans and their families.
"We are also focused on improving the support available to serving members as they transition to civilian life, including helping them secure meaningful employment, but there is more to be done and I am confident these forums will produce some new approaches to tackling these problems," Minister Chester said.
He said the Veterans' Families Forum would examine how veterans' families can provide support and be supported during and after service. It will also showcase Australian experience, initiate global conversations and pledge future actions with the aim of developing a best practice model for assisting families.
"My message to employers is clear, hiring a veteran is good for your business," Minister Chester said.
Outcomes from the forums will be presented and further discussed at a DVA Invictus Symposium in Sydney and will feed into discussions at the Veterans Ministerial International 5-Eyes Conference, featuring veterans' ministers from Australia, the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand, to be held in Sydney this weekend.
The Invictus Games is being held in Sydney from 20-27 October is a sporting event for wounded, injured and ill veterans and active service personnel and highlights the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.
Competitors from 18 nations will compete in 11 adaptive sports events at the Invictus Games 2018.
Minister Chester added, "The government is committed to supporting our 290,000 veterans and their families, and provides more than $11.2 billion each year to deliver the essential services and programs they rely on."
Veterans' Affairs is hosting a series of forums and conferences in the lead-up to and during the Games, inviting Australian and world experts and decision makers to Sydney to discuss and advance policy and thinking to ensure Australia continues to provide the best possible support to the veteran community.
