NSW Leads Groundbreaking Research to Tailor Veteran Support for Women
Shaping Support Services for Women Veterans: An Australian-first initiative
In a landmark initiative to better support former servicewomen, the Minns Labor Government, in collaboration with RSL NSW and Monash University, has launched a nation-first research project to explore how veteran wellbeing services can be reshaped to meet the unique needs of women veterans in New South Wales.
Addressing gender-specific challenges in veteran services
The project, titled Shaping Support Services for Women Veterans, is a key action of the recently released NSW Veterans Strategy 2025–2030. It seeks to understand how women experience veteran-specific services and identify where improvements are needed—especially in areas like caregiving responsibilities, reproductive and mental health, and post-service wellbeing.
With almost 15,000 women veterans living in NSW and a growing number currently serving in the ADF (accounting for 20% of all active personnel), the initiative arrives at a crucial time.
“Veteran services have historically focused on men,” said the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, who is leading the research. “As more women serve and transition from the Defence Force, we must ensure services are responsive to their needs.”
A voice for women veterans
The study includes an anonymous online survey and optional interviews to allow women to speak openly about their experiences. Participants will help shape the future of veteran support by informing how services can become more inclusive, accessible, and effective for women.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“This is all about ensuring the voices of the nearly 15,000 female veterans in NSW are heard. Women continue to make vital contributions in defence, and they deserve recognition and tailored support.”
Data-driven solutions from lived experience
RSL NSW CEO Giles Hurst welcomed the initiative, emphasising the importance of designing future services informed by women’s lived experiences:
“This is a chance to understand the very real challenges faced by our women veterans and ensure they have equitable access to timely, high-quality support.”
RAAF veteran Del Gaudry CSC, President of the Defence Force Welfare Association, added:
“This research is long overdue. From sexual trauma to mental health and reproductive health needs, our issues are often very different from those of our male counterparts. This project will help ensure we’re no longer overlooked.”
Get involved
Women veterans across NSW are invited to take part in the anonymous survey and contribute to shaping the future of support services. Participation is voluntary and confidential.
🔗 Take the survey or learn more 📘 Read the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025–2030
