Budget Win for Veteran & Family Wellbeing: Funding Reinstated to Invictus Australia  

Invictus Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to reinstate its funding to deliver sporting programs for veterans and their families over the next three years.  

Invictus Australia acknowledges the Minister and Government for recognising the critical importance of their world-leading work, to sustain investment in evidence-backed initiatives that strengthen the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families, which address many of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence & Veteran Suicide.  

Since the Budget was announced on May 12^th signaling a cut for all Invictus Australia’s funding, there has been an extraordinary outpouring of support from across the community – from veterans and their families, to organisations, media outlets, ex-service organisations and individuals who have shared their experiences, advocated for the continuation of these programs, and demonstrated the impact of this work. Their response has reinforced the importance of connection, purpose and community in supporting recovery and wellbeing. 

Invictus Australia Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hartung, said the decision ensures the organisation can continue delivering vital support to veterans and families across Australia. 

“We thank the Federal Government for reviewing the decision to discontinue funding for Invictus Australia and are delighted that veterans and their families will be able to continue to benefit from our world leading program in the years ahead. 

The past few weeks have highlighted the strength of the community – it has been their advocacy, sharing their stories and articulating so well the impact of the Invictus Movement on them that has been incredibly powerful.”

MICHAEL HARTUNG

CEO, INVICTUS AUSTRALIA

This outcome reflects a collective commitment to the importance of connection, recovery and wellbeing for those who have served,” Hartung continued. 

This decision will ensure Australia can send a team to the next Invictus Games and enables a continuation of community based programs that have already supported almost 30,000 veterans and family members through sport-based initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, connection and recovery.  

It also provides an opportunity to build on the conversations now underway with organisations and partners seeking to support veterans and their families into the future, as Invictus Australia looks to advance its work and meet the unmet and growing need for its programs. 

Invictus Australia remains focused on continuing this work, alongside its partners and the broader community, to ensure veterans and their families stay connected, supported and moving forward.