Army recognises the demands made on our soldiers and their families. This section provides families with a range of information on services and support organisations.
Support for Families
Defence understands the impacts the military way of life has on ADF members and families. To help balance the demands of service life with the needs of families the Defence Member and Family Support Branch offers various support programs. Further information about the support available for partner employment, school mentoring, special needs care and financial advice is available through the ADF Family programs and services page.
Chaplains support
A chaplain is an Australian Regular Army (ARA) or Army Reserve (ARes) commissioned Specialist Service Officer responsible for the provision of spiritual, religious and pastoral support to all ADF personnel and their families in a range of peacetime and operational environments. Members and families can a chaplain in their location by contacting Defence switchboard and asking for the Duty Chaplain at the Defence base closest to their location.
Army Fair Go Hotline
The Army Fair Go Hotline (1800 100 064) is available to current and former Army personnel and their families to seek advice on how to report occurrences of unacceptable behaviour and other sensitive issues.
The hotline operates from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Before calling, members should first review the Incident Reporting Hub, the Complaints and Alternative Resolutions Manual and endeavour to raise the matter with their chain of command.
Members who call the Army Fair Go Hotline from a DPN enabled device or phone number registered on the corporate directory, may be identifiable to the advice provider. However anonymity is assured and personal information will only be used if permission is given to do so.
Defence Families of Australia
Defence Families of Australia (DFA) is the official Australian Defence Force (ADF) families' advisory body to the Minister for Defence Personnel and Chief of the Defence Force (CDF). DFA enables Defence families to report, make recommendations, and influence government policy.
Defence Health Ltd
Defence Health Ltd provides private health and other insurances to the ADF and broader Defence community.
Navy Health Ltd
Navy Health Ltd provides private health and other insurances to the ADF, their families, former ADF members, and the broader Defence community.
Flexible working arrangements
Army is working to improve the flexible working arrangements available to help manage work and family life. Some flexible arrangements are already in place such as home-located work, flexible working hours and part-time leave without pay. Soldiers should discuss their circumstances and proposed flexible working arrangement with their supervisor, Commanding Officer and the Career Management Agency.