Defence families had the chance to directly engage with Australian Defence Force (ADF) leaders and family support providers this week as part of a national conference hosted by Defence Families of Australia (DFA).

Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert said while the ADF demands much from the men and women who serve our nation, it is incumbent upon government to support them and their families.

“My top priority as Assistant Minister for Defence has always been, and will always be, to ensure ADF members and their families are well cared for during their service to the nation and as they transition to civilian life,” Mr Robert said.

“Defence has a proud history of providing support to its families—it’s their strength and courage that makes the ADF the powerful, enduring organisation it is.”

The annual conference in Canberra brought together national DFA delegates from across Australia to meet with senior Defence leaders and decision makers from Defence Housing Australia and the Defence Community Organisation.

Topics discussed this year included family communication during deployment, face-to-face support for families, issues affecting partner employment and children’s education, community group funding, research into the effects of time away from family due to military service, and housing and relocation support.

Defence Families of Australia is an independent advocacy body that reports directly to the Assistant Minister for Defence and Chief of Defence Force, representing the needs of ADF families and ensuring families are considered during policy development.

A full report of conference outcomes will be released in October 2014.