Australia’s Invictus Australia, a veterans charity supporting serving and former defence personnel through sport, has learned its $9 million federal funding commitment will not be renewed in the current budget.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently met Team Australia alumni in Sydney, underscoring ongoing involvement with Invictus-related initiatives.

Invictus Games remains a global, charity-driven effort to aid wounded and ill service members through competitive sport and recovery programs, with Australia continuing as a key participant.

A veteran Invictus athlete warns the funding cut could be life-changing, noting the reliance on these organizations for mental health support.

The government says specific grant programs have ended, but the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency will seek future opportunities to collaborate with the sector on veteran and family wellbeing initiatives.

Melloney Poole, vice chair of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, stepped down amid related reporting, with sources noting she’s focusing on other commitments.

Hartung argues the programs are evidence-based and can deliver cost savings by boosting sport participation, urging reconsideration of the decision.

Without the grant, Invictus Australia may rely more on private and corporate donors, raising questions about transparency and how funds are allocated to veteran support.

The funding cut could prevent Invictus Australia from fielding a full team for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

Hartung notes a strong working relationship with Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh and says the cut could affect about 30,000 veterans supported by Invictus Australia through sport and related services, including efforts tied to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The funding decision comes as the budget increases defence spending, including a notable rise in defence expenditure and related funding linked to the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

Hartung says the news came as a shock, the organisation learned of the decision just before the budget, and it could jeopardize long-term plans and near-term initiatives addressing PTSD, depression, anxiety, and social isolation.