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Tom Kliese is the Co-Founder and Director of Veterans First Consulting, Australia’s leading private veteran advocacy firm. With a background in business operations, systems design, and leadership, Tom partnered with Kevin to build a professional, high-impact service that supports veterans through the often complex DVA claims process.
Tom is responsible for strategy, team development, and ensuring every part of the business runs efficiently and with purpose. His focus on structure, accountability, and exceptional service standards has helped shape Veterans First into a trusted name in the veteran community — known for getting results quickly, accurately, and with genuine care.
Under his guidance, the team has supported over 9,000 current and former Defence members — helping veterans and their families achieve life-changing outcomes.
Tom is a strategic board game enthusiast, devoted dog Dad, and boxing fanatic. When he’s not in the ring or the office, he’s often exploring new places with his wife and their dog, Remi.
Kevin Chapman is the Co-Founder of Veterans First Consulting, Australia’s largest dedicated team of veteran advocates. A former Airfield Defence Guard in the Royal Australian Air Force, Kevin served for eight years, including two warlike deployments. His firsthand experience of life after service — and seeing his mates and family struggle with the DVA system — inspired him to build a better path for others.
Kevin leads the operations team and is responsible for training, systems, and keeping the entire organisation aligned and efficient. Known as the “brains trust” for all things DVA, Kevin brings encyclopaedic policy knowledge, a relentless work ethic, and a no-nonsense attitude to everything he does. If there’s a complex claim, Kevin’s the one who knows the answer — and how to get it done.
Since founding the company, he has helped guide more than 9,000 veterans through the claims process.
Kevin is a gun cricketer and a golf tragic — when he’s not solving veteran claim problems, you’ll find him smashing sixes or sinking putts.
At Veterans First Consulting, we’ve always had the mission to support veterans through every chapter of their journey. We assist and advocate for veterans through their DVA claims, post-service life, and anything they need help with in this space.
With a strong dedication to exceptional service and genuine care, our team has helped more than 9,000 veterans and their families receive the benefits they deserve.
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Made up of former DVA staff who know the system inside out, we're committed to helping veterans live better lives.
The Veterans First Consulting team brings a wealth of insider knowledge from previous experience as claim support officers, delegates and more at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Our seasoned ex-DVA professionals guide you one-on-one with personalised advice and empathetic support, making sure you get the care you need.
Led by our founders Kevin and Tom, we are passionate about serving those who've served.
Kevin's firsthand experience of life after service—and seeing his mates and family struggle with the DVA system—inspired him to build a better path for others.
Partnering with his longtime friend Tom, who brings a deep expertise in business operations, they have grown Veterans First Consulting into the most trusted advocacy name in the country.
Join more than 9,000 veterans in getting the support they deserve. Leave us a note and our experts will be in touch shortly to discuss your new claim or claim reassessment.
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9,000+ veterans served – we know what we're doing
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