Landmark consultation to improve the lives of NSW veterans

The NSW Government is embarking on major consultation to help understand the issues facing veterans and their families today, with the opening of an online survey.

Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said consultation will help shape the first NSW Veterans Strategy.

“Consultation through the survey and statewide forums will give the veterans community the chance to share their views on the issues they are facing and the services that will best support them,” Mr Lee said.

“The fresh knowledge we will gain from this survey will help give the NSW Government a new informed platform to target key concerns around services like health and wellbeing, employment, education and recognition.

“It is essential the strategy reflects the lives and current needs of our veteran community. I encourage veterans and their families, friends, ex-service organisations and those involved in providing veterans’ services to participate in the survey.”

The strategy aims to improve existing NSW Government services and identify new programs to support veterans and their families.

“The modern veteran community is diverse and their needs after they leave the Defence Force are wide-ranging,” Mr Lee said.

“1200 veterans transition out of the Defence Force into NSW every year and we must do everything in our power to support our veterans after their service.”

Bronte Pollard, who served in the Royal Australian Navy for nine years welcomed the strategy.

“I think it is fantastic for NSW to have its own plan as this will ensure state based programs and initiatives respond to veterans’ needs,” Mr Pollard said.

The survey will be open until Friday 17 July 2020. To participate in the survey visit: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/survey