Category: Newsroom
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Notification of DFA entering caretaker arrangements
Letter: Notification of DFA entering caretaker arrangements Dear stakeholders We write to inform you that Defence Families of Australia (DFA) will be entering a period of caretaker arrangements effective 2 August 2023. These arrangements coincide with the resignation of the inaugural Defence Family Advocate, Sandi Laaksonen-Sherrin, and the Deputy Advocate, Gabrielle Sasse. Sandi has led…
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Defence need to take a people-centric approach
As the Department of Defence undergo significant reform and restructure, there are understandably aspects of ‘old ways of working’ that come up as not having been administered well. In light of recent news about some marine specialists having to repay any money paid to them incorrectly, DFA are advocating for Defence to take a people-centric…
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Interruptions to local Defence community engagement opportunities
As an independent, government-appointed advisory body, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is provided administrative support by the Department of Defence. Recently, Defence has rescinded longstanding travel conditions for the DFA team. This means local travel within a DFA National Delegate’s region, which comprises between 4,000 to 25,000 ADF families and stakeholders, is no longer supported.…
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Submission on the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry
Document: DFA submission on the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry To the Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) write in support that the recommendations made by the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry into recognition for members and families of Australian…
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Submission on the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) write in response to the request for submissions for an Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding.
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Focus on Defence family advocacy this National Families Week
The national advisory body for families of current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members has released the latest version of its Advocacy Map highlighting completed and ongoing work in conjunction with National Families Week (15-21 May 2023).
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What the Federal Budget Will Mean for Defence Families
Thousands of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their loved ones are looking to the May Federal budget announcement this week to understand how they will be supported after several years of increased demand on our military forces. Why is this Budget So Important for Defence Families? It has been well publicised that a suite…
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Report highlights opportunities for Defence family career comeback programs
The official advisory body for families of current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members is calling for an educational program for Defence families to return to the workforce to be expanded nationally. Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is advocating for tertiary institutions, governments and private enterprises to replicate the successful pilot Defence Family Career Comeback…
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Support Available for Anyone Impacted by Ongoing OSI Investigation
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has put out the following statement for those who may be affected. Some members of the veteran and Defence community may be concerned by the ongoing investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator, which was set up in the wake of the Inspector-General of…
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Defence housing rights and responsibilities
It is essential to know your rights and responsibilities to make setting up your home – or packing up for your next posting – as painless as possible.