Military justice matters are often complex and proceedings may be stressful. There are many welfare and support services available to support ADF Members, veterans and families who are involved in an inquiry either with us, or through other processes.

Please reach out to the following support services if you need assistance with a health, welfare or financial matter.

  • Serving ADF members, speak to your chain of command, local Defence health facility, unit, base or ship on‐call Chaplain, or your support officer or legal representative.
  • The following services are also available to you and your family:
    • Injury or illness – call 1800IMSICK. The service provides nursing level triage and advice regarding access to other health care.
    • Mental health – call the All‐hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 (available 24/7). This confidential telephone service provides mental health advice and referral.
    • Defence Family Helpline – call 1800 624 608 (available 24/7) to speak to human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists. www.defence.gov.au/dco/.
    • Chaplaincy – call 1300 DEFENCE and ask to speak to the on‐call Chaplain in your area for pastoral care, support and advice 24/7.
    • Open Arms – call 1800 011 046 to access for counselling for current ADF members, veterans and families including a free‐call all‐hours crisis telephone service as well as face to face support. Open Arms is not part of Defence www.openarms.gov.au.
    • Safe Zone Support – call 1800 142 072 (available 24/7) for free, anonymous telephone counselling with specialised counsellors who understand military culture and experience. The service offers care without the need for individuals to identify themselves or be concerned that their call will be recorded.
    • Lifeline Australia – call 13 11 14 (available 24/7). Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. www.lifeline.org.au.
    • Employee Assistance Program – call 1300 OUR EAP (1300 687 327). Free, confidential and professional counselling for Defence APS employees, Australian Signals Directorate employees, ADF Reservists, ADF Cadets, Officers and Instructors, including immediate families, and workplace supervisors/managers.
    • ADF Health and Wellbeing Portal – provides easy access and links to many Defence websites containing information on ADF Health and Mental Health services and supports, and useful external resources. www.defence.gov.au/health/healthportal.
    • Department of Veterans’ Affairs – call 1800 555 254. Current or former serving ADF members and families should contact the DVA for access to advice, claims and DVA supports.

You may have been told not to discuss your case or evidence. That restriction does not apply if you are seeking professional advice or support through formal mechanisms, provided you tell your consultant or counsellor that the matter involves material that is subject to inquiry and must be kept confidential.