The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) says a new question proposed for the 2021 Census will help it to locate and help more veterans.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester said the question would provide the most up-to-date figures on veterans in the Australian community.
“The Census data will provide a better understanding of how many veterans we have and where they live, allowing us to deliver the right services in the right areas to support their needs,” Mr Chester said.
“The improved data will help inform our policy response to issues facing veterans, such as health, housing and employment.”
Mr Chester said the Census and Statistics Amendment (Statistical Information) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) was tabled in Parliament last week and would allow for the inclusion of the question.
He said the resulting data would have the potential to help Federal, State and Territory Agencies, and ex-service organisations better target and improve services and support, particularly for the large proportion of veterans who are currently unknown to the DVA.
“Historically, just because a person served in the ADF doesn’t mean they required services or support from DVA, making it hard to give a definitive answer on how many veterans are in Australia,” Mr Chester said.
“Over the past few years Defence and DVA have been addressing this challenge and now when someone enlists they are registered with DVA, and all transitioning ADF members are automatically issued with a DVA White Card, which provides treatment for any mental health condition regardless of the cause,” he said.
