RAAFA, in collaboration with YouGov Australia, has released compelling new research that reveals significant gaps in the Australian public’s understanding of veterans.
The report, entitled Misunderstood: A Public Pulse Check Into Perceptions of Australian Veterans, found nearly 90 per cent of Australians are uncertain about accurately defining what constitutes a veteran, with 42 per cent of respondents providing incorrect descriptions when asked to clarify.
The findings reveal critical misconceptions leading to inadequate support systems and underscore the urgent need for targeted actions to support veterans effectively, starting with a deep understanding of their needs, which the research shows are lacking.
Along with disparate levels of understanding depending on age brackets, the research also uncovered five pervasive misconceptions about veterans, including:
● Almost a third (32%) of Australians incorrectly believe veterans are exclusively those who have served in combat.
● More than half (63%) of Australians assume veterans to be predominantly elderly males, overlooking younger veterans and female personnel.
● Almost half (45%) perceive veterans as disadvantaged in civilian employment despite their considerable transferable skills, such as teamwork and leadership.
● More than a third (34%) of Australians significantly overestimate mental health challenges among veterans, a misunderstanding that perpetuates stigma and demonstrates the necessity for tailored mental health services.
In addition to the misconceptions, the report also uncovered a generational divide in attitudes towards veterans, revealing that younger Australians are notably less appreciative and respectful of veterans’ contributions.
Alarmingly, more than one in five young adults aged 18-24 (22%) do not value veterans’ contributions, compared to only one in 20 (5%) Australians aged over 24 who feel the same way.
RAAFA Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Fyfe, stressed the importance of correcting public misconceptions and the need for enhanced education about Australia’s heritage and the critical role veterans have played and continue to play.
“Veterans’ service extends far beyond combat. Their work includes humanitarian aid, disaster recovery, and community building. Yet, our research shows these contributions are frequently unrecognised and misconstrued,” said Fyfe.
“The findings of this report do not reflect the Australia I know and love, highlighting a lack of appreciation due to misconceptions of our veterans. It’s clear there is an empathy gap that needs addressing if we are to appropriately honour those who have kept our country safe.”
Despite a misunderstanding, the research shows overwhelming support among Australians for improved government-led initiatives, with 86 per cent of Australians unanimously agreeing the government needs to do more to address veteran issues.
“We are calling on the Australian public to pledge their support to help ensure comprehensive and targeted support services for those who have bravely served our nation,” said Fyfe.
In a bid to translate the research findings into true movement for change, RAAFA is calling on all Australians to pledge their digital signature to help secure increased support services for Australian veterans, via:https://www.raafawa.org.au/veterans/raafa-veteran-report/
