Media releases

New Chair of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal appointed

After reaching the maximum tenure as Chair of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, Mr Mark Sullivan AO will hand over the reins to Mr Stephen Skehill. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said Mr Skehill was well-qualified for the role, being a former Secretary of the…

Release of 2019 Defence Census results

PARTICIPATION in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has increased in the last four years, revealed in the 2019 Defence Census Public Report released today. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the Census provided valuable data…

Roulettes celebrate 50 years in the sky

Ahead of the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force next year, this year we mark 50 years of service for the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic display team. Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, who visited the Roulettes at their home at RAAF Base East Sale, said they were established in…

ADF reserve employers recognised

EMPLOYERS across Australia who support our Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists were today acknowledged at the annual Defence Employer Support Awards. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the awards showcased employers that actively supported their Reservists to undertake their…

Five Australian soldiers of the Great War identified

ON the eve of Remembrance Day, the final resting place of five previously unidentified Australian soldiers who served and died in France during the First World War have today been confirmed. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the men were…

Better transition outcomes for veterans

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel transitioning from military to civilian life will be better supported with $17.7 million provided for the establishment of the Joint Transition Authority (JTA) as announced in the 2020–21 Budget. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence…

Defence Housing Australia Board appointments

The Government has reappointed the Hon J.A.L (Sandy) Macdonald as Chair of the Defence Housing Australia (DHA) Board and appointed Ms Gai Brodtmann as a Commercial Member, each for a three year term, commencing 12 February 2021. Mr Macdonald joined the DHA Board in 2008 and has served four terms,…

New mental health app for Defence

The mental health and wellbeing for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, Reservists and their families has been bolstered with a new purpose built app released today as part of mental health month.    Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, said the HeadStrength app would allow users to…

Increased support for ADF partner employment

Partners of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic will be better supported through changes to the Defence Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP).  Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the coronavirus had affected all…

Appointment of interim National Commissioner welcomed

The next step has been taken in the Federal Government’s efforts to combat suicide in veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force with the appointment of the interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for…

Supporting ADF Reservists through COVID-19

Joint Media Release Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Darren Chester MP  The Morrison Government is continuing to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists through the COVID-19 pandemic with new initiatives announced today. This includes: additional…

Young Endeavour supports Navy training

JUNIOR Maritime Warfare Officers have been able to continue their Navy training thanks to the Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour, with 57 officers completing their first at-sea training. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester congratulated the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme (YEYS) and Royal…