BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The AFA National Board has endorsed the organisation’s new Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement.
1 July 2025
Australian Veteran Inclusion Statement
Understanding the Definition of a Veteran
In Australia, a ‘veteran means a person who has served, or is serving, as a member of the Permanent Forces or as a member of the Reserves’. This definition is found in the Australian Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and Their Families First) Act 2019. The extent of this definition provides for any person who has served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which includes the Navy, Army and Air Force. It ensures that every person who has served in the ADF is recognised as a veteran, whether their ‘defence service means warlike service, non warlike service or peacetime service.’
Why is it necessary to define who is a Veteran?
The Western Australian Division of the Air Force Association (RAAFA) commissioned a landmark study with YouGov Australia to better understand how the public perceives veterans and where those perceptions fall short. The results are clear: Australians support their veterans, but don’t fully understand who they are, what they’ve done, or what they need. For more information on this important study and to download a complete copy of the report please go to: https://www.raafawa.org.au/veterans/raafa-veteran-report/
What’s the Air Force Association’s Position?
AFA’s position is clear. We proudly embrace all Australian veterans, including those who have served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), regardless of the length or nature of their service. While our focus is on supporting and honouring veterans, we warmly acknowledge the broader community who also share our commitment to supporting the families of veterans and preserving the RAAF’s legacy. United through service and sacrifice, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive community that upholds AFA’s Values of courage, respect, care and compassion, as reflected in our vision to be a leading supporter of veterans.
Understanding the Definition of Veteran
While the general definition of a veteran is broad and inclusive, it is important to note that eligibility for specific DVA benefits and services may depend on the nature and duration of your service. For example:
- Under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), veterans who have rendered “eligible war service” (such as service during World War I, World War II, or in other declared operational areas) may qualify for certain entitlements.
- The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) provides support to ADF members with service after 30 June 2004, including those who served in peacetime.
Please be aware that the new, harmonised, VETS Act closes the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) to new claims from 1 July 2026. From this date, all compensation and rehabilitation claims will be determined under a single ongoing Act – the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
However, regardless of whether you qualify for specific DVA programs, we recognise you as an Australian veteran if you have served in the ADF. We are here to support you; celebrate your service and ensure you feel valued within our community.
Preserving Air Force Heritage and Supporting Veterans
The AFA is committed to preserving Air Force heritage through initiatives like Wings magazine, commemoration events and public engagement, ensuring the RAAF’s stories and sacrifices endure. We also seek to address critical veteran needs, such as homelessness. For example, RAAFA operates Sir Valston Hancock House, offering emergency and short-term accommodation in nine two-bedroom apartments, supporting up to 25 veterans annually. Additionally, RAAFA has secured funding from the Commonwealth Government under the Veterans’ Acute Housing Program for its Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) Program. When this project is completed, it will provide a 16-apartment complex in Cannington, southeast of Perth, to provide veterans with the stability of a roof over their head.
Join Our Community
The AFA offers programs and services to support veterans, including:
- Advocacy and assistance with accessing DVA entitlements.
- Social events to foster camaraderie full of connection and belonging.
- Resources to enhance well-being and quality of life.
- Opportunities to preserve Air Force heritage through commemoration and storytelling.
Joining the AFA allows veterans to continue their legacy of service by supporting fellow veterans and the community. We warmly invite all who have served in the ADF, their families and those passionate about Air Force and aviation heritage to join our community. Together, we honour the past, support the present and build a brighter future for the Air Force Family and the wider Defence Family.