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About Us

Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is a Ministerially appointed group that represents the views of Defence Families. Its aim is to inform Government and Defence on the needs of the family. Its goal is to ensure quality of life for all Defence Families by providing a recognised forum for their views and by reporting, making recommendations and influencing policy that directly affects families. In turn, this enhances the capability of the Defence Force.

Defence Families can contact DFA to represent them regarding an individual situation or to advocate an issue concerning many families.

Convenor and Executive

DFA is a well-respected organisation of Defence Partners. DFA is recognised by Defence and its stakeholders to provide feedback on views and interests of Defence families. The Convenor and volunteer Delegates work directly with Regional Managers and local Commanding Officers to clarify or resolve issues affecting families.

The Convenor meets regularly with the Minister responsible for Defence Science and Personnel, the Chief of the Defence Force, and the Heads of Defence Departments to report and make recommendations on behalf of Defence families.

The National Convenor and National Delegates are appointed by the Minister responsible for Defence Science and Personnel for a two year term with a possibility of a further extension for one and two years respectively. DFA volunteers operate at national, regional and local levels.

Convenor Directives

To provide feedback to the Minister, CDF and the three Services regarding issues and concerns of families throughout Australia;

  • Managing a regionally based Executive Committee;
  • Managing the DFA daily operations;
  • Attend meetings with Defence and external service providers;
  • Prepare written submissions and correspondence; and
  • Deliver presentations and conduct media or Government Senate interviews as required.

Delegate Directives

  • Provide feedback and information to Government Ministers, CDF and other Defence departments regarding the issues and concerns of families throughout their region and Australia via the Convenor;
  • Prepare submissions on behalf of families in their region on topics that have been raised by families;
  • Keep up to date with incoming information from the National Convenor and other Delegates as to issues effecting Defence Families throughout Australia;
  • Provide assistance, advocacy and information to Defence Families regarding individual situations; and
  • Meet regularly with local command, Regional Managers and family groups within their region.

Senior Representatives Directives

  • Keep up to date with current DFA activities;
  • Have contact with Defence Families, Command and stakeholders in the region;
  • Respond to the requests made by the Convenor or National Delegate for specific feedback; and
  • Advise the National Delegate in your region of any concerns you may have on behalf of families in your area or issues that may have been raised with you.