Veteran health leaders back Minister Keogh’s push for true repatriation
The Federal Government’s commitment to a new Veteran Wellbeing Agency has been hailed as a pivotal shift in veteran care, with industry leaders celebrating the move to focus on the wellbeing of veterans. Following the Hon Matt Keogh MP’s address to the National Press Club, marking one year since the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, veteran healthcare provider GO2 Health has welcomed the $78 million initiative. The new agency, set to be operational by July 2026, aims to deliver wrap-around support for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Rod Martin, co-founder of GO2 Health, believes the announcement signals a new era for veteran care. “Allocating $78 million to a dedicated Wellbeing Agency sends a clear message that the government is prioritising the health and future of our veterans. It’s exciting to see the announcement that provides policy that empowers clinical providers like GO2 Health, working every day to support the people who were boots on the ground, reclaim their health, navigate civilian life, and reforge themselves,” shared Martin.
For Dr. Kieran McCarthy, a former special operations military doctor and co-founder of GO2 Health, the government’s focus aligns with a necessary clinical shift: moving beyond treating injuries to restoring lives. “Transitioning from service is one of the most significant challenges veterans face,” shared Dr. McCarthy. “For a veteran forced out of service by an injury, the loss of purpose can be as damaging as the physical wounds. It’s integral that every veteran is repatriated, not just rehabilitated. It means we don’t just treat a condition; we help them reintegrate into civilian society, get back to their families, and reforge a meaningful life beyond the uniform.”
While the long-term policy is welcome, Martin cautioned that the window between now and the agency’s 2026 launch is critical. With troops withdrawing from recent conflicts, the immediate need for support remains high. “Setting a date for July 2026 provides certainty, but every day until then, veterans are still navigating the current system. To have the most effective management, we want to engage with veterans within the first six months of transition,” Martin urged.
He emphasised that private providers are essential to filling this void immediately. “We don’t want veterans waiting until 2026 for wrap-around support. GO2 Health is ready right now with a full interdisciplinary team, from GPs and specialists to physios and psychologists, all under one roof. We are actively supporting the veteran community to ensure no one falls through the cracks.”
GO2 Health remains committed to the daily mission of supporting veterans’ rehabilitation into society.
Veterans and their families are encouraged to get in touch via www.reforge.com.au or www.
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