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Veteran Wellness Index 2026
Australia’s veterans serve with commitment, often at personal cost. The systems designed to support them should be simple, accessible and built around their needs. Too often, they are not. Many veterans face long delays, complex processes and support that comes too late, or not at all.
Since 2022, Veterans First Consulting has helped over 9,000 veterans and their families through the difficult and often frustrating DVA claims process. We have seen firsthand that the system still has room for improvement to better meet veteran needs.
This report reflects a commitment to veteran wellbeing and to constructive, evidence-based discussion about how the system can continue to improve. For any enquiries, please contact media@veteransfirstconsulting.com or call 0451021471.
This report, informed by YouGov research, provides a current picture of veterans’ wellbeing, experiences, and unmet needs within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs system.
The findings of the 2024 Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made clear that system failure can have serious consequences. While reform is underway, recent data shows many younger veterans are still avoiding support due to wait times, complexity, and uncertainty about where to start.
The Veteran Wellness Index aims to inform decisions, guide reform, and track whether change is improving veterans’ lives.
Veterans First Consulting Co-Founder, Kevin Chapman, shares his thoughts on the Veteran Wellness Index report and its findings:
"Like many veterans, I’ve watched mates and families struggle — not because help doesn’t exist, but because it’s hard to access.
From our experience supporting more than 9,000 veterans, there is still significant work required to deliver a system that is simpler and better aligned to their needs."
At Veterans First Consulting we believe it’s not just about claims and compensation. We believe it’s about community and giving back to that community in a tangible way, whether through charities, events, or veterans just doing incredible things.
One of our top priorities is contributing to veteran initiatives that provide essential aid, housing support, mental health care, animal-assisted therapy and more. To us, these community programs are vital to continue to support.
