Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant

Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant

The Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant serves to recognise and acknowledge the unique nature of military service and the contribution of veterans and their families. The Covenant is supported by the Veteran Card, Lapel Pin and Oath. These provide the opportunity for Australians to identify veterans when they are not in uniform or wearing their medals, and offer respect to them and their family.

Employers, businesses, local community groups and the broader Australian public are able to commit their support for the Covenant. The Covenant provides the framework that enables veterans and their families to better connect with their community.

Veteran Card images

Veteran Card

Use your Veteran Card to gain access to treatment for service-related conditions or injuries that DVA has approved, and access to DVA-funded mental health treatment, if required. 

Support or benefits from participating businesses and organisations.

Two open boxes. Each contains a metal badge.

Lapel Pin

The Lapel Pin allows the wider community to acknowledge your service regardless of whether you served in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

Australian Defence Veterans; Covenant Oath text

Oath

The Oath is a declaration on behalf of the Australian people recognising the valuable contribution that current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families make and have made for our country.

Australian Defence Veterans; Covenant Oath text

How veterans can apply

Veterans and Reservists can apply for the Covenant, including the Veteran Card, Lapel Pin and Oath, online using MyService. Depending on your type of service, you may be eligible for all, or some, of the Covenant items.

Two open boxes. Each contains a metal badge.

How to support veterans

Employers, businesses, local community groups and the broader Australian public are able to commit their support for the Covenant to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of veterans and their families.

Screen shot of the front page of the Veterans' Employment Program web site. The background shows a man in orange safety uniform with earmuffs on.

Veterans' Employment

The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program was initiated in 2016 to raise awareness of the value and unique experience of veterans. Find out more about how the program assists veterans and employers on the Veterans' Employment web site  

Four men in green, yellow and white sporting uniforms. They are all smiling.

Community Groups

Find out more about community groups and Ex-Service Organisations and their work to support veterans and their families.