RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM and Queensland Veterans Council member Lorraine Hatton at the launch. Photo and article courtesy of Queensland Government.

• Queensland launches first strategy to boost support for the more than 163,000 Queensland veterans and their families who call Queensland home.
• Queensland’s Veterans and Veterans’ Families Strategy is a whole-of-government framework built on statewide consultation to reflect what matters to the veteran community.
• Structured around five priority pillars: education and employment, health, housing and support, veterans in business, community and sport, commemoration and recognition.

The Queensland Government has released the State’s first Queensland Veterans and Veterans’ Families Strategy, marking a significant milestone in recognising and supporting the more than 163,000 veterans who call Queensland home.

The six-year Strategy sets out a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to improving outcomes for veterans and their families, ensuring they have access to the services they need.

The Strategy is structured around five priority pillars: education and employment, health, housing and support, veterans in business, community and sport, commemoration and recognition.

Queensland’s veteran population is the largest in Australia and the new Strategy recognises both the unique challenges veterans may face, and the valuable contribution they continue to make to communities across the State.

Developed following consultation across the State, including in-person and online engagement with veterans, families, ex-service organisations and the broader community, the Strategy reflects the experiences and priorities of Queensland’s veteran community.

The release of the Queensland Veterans and Veterans’ Families Strategy marks the next step in delivering stronger, more integrated support for Queensland veterans and their families, while continuing to honour their service and sacrifice.

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said that the organisation was pleased that the Queensland Government has delivered a veteran strategy that enables veterans and their families to be recognised for their capabilities and experience, while also enabling support for them to thrive.

“This very first Queensland Veterans Strategy is a substantial step forward for veterans and has three key strengths underpinning it,” Major General Day said.

“Firstly, that it recognises both veterans and their families. Secondly, that it recognises veterans as a valuable asset to our state – they are well trained, disciplined and willing to have a go. Thirdly, it recognises that transition from military to civilian life can be a vulnerable period for some veterans.

“As with all plans, the hard part is the execution phase that follows. We look forward to continuing to work with the Crisafulli Government to ensure the clarity of intent of this strategy is executed as intended.”

Queensland Veterans Council member Lorraine Hatton, who served on peacekeeping, humanitarian, peace-monitoring and war operations, in various theatres and campaigns, said support was critical for veterans as they transition out of the service.

“I had a 21-year career and when it was time to leave the Army and transition, I must admit I found it a little bit difficult because I’d left an institution I’d been working with for 21 years and I felt a little bit lost,” Ms Hatton said.

“That’s why I feel that the Strategy is very important because this will be able to help them find their feet once they transition.”

For more information about the Queensland Veterans and Veterans’ Families Strategy, visit the website.