Support & advocacy

Veterans and their families get support from the Air Force Association at two levels: a national Association that speaks up in Canberra, and seven state and territory Divisions who help in person.

Knowing which one to ask saves you a phone call. The short version: the national Association represents you to government and DVA and looks after commemoration and honours; your Division is who helps you face to face.

What the national Association does

The Association’s Board has set advocacy and support for veterans and their families as one of its strategic objectives — advocating to governments, DVA and other ex-service organisations, and taking up advocacy positions in Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs around the country.

• Represents veterans and families to government and DVA
• Makes submissions to inquiries and reviews
• Sponsors honours and awards for serving members
• Leads national commemoration and keeps Air Force history

What your Division does

Divisions are where most veterans and families actually meet the Association — in welfare visits, local branches and reunions, and one-on-one help with DVA paperwork.

• Welfare visits and practical help
• Advice on DVA entitlements (services vary by Division)
• Local branches, reunions and commemorative services
• Membership applications and enquiries

Not sure who to ask? Contact the national Association, or find your Division for help closer to home.

Current advocacy priorities

The Association speaks for Air Force veterans and their families to government, DVA and other ex-service organisations. Our current priorities are:

• faster and fair processing of DVA claims
• a strong voice for veterans in the proposed national peak body for ex-service organisations
• support for members leaving the ADF, and making sure veterans know about new services and how to use them.

The Association is a member of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Ex-Service Organisation Round Table (ESORT), where national ex-service organisations meet with DVA and the Minister to raise the issues affecting veterans and their families.

For the latest support information direct from Government, visit DVA — Get support.