Australia U-turns on Invictus Games funding cuts after veteran backlash

The decision comes after emotional testimony from veterans who credited Prince Harry’s charity with saving their lives

The Australian Government has reversed its decision to cut funding for Prince Harry’s Invictus Australia charity, with Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announcing that federal support will continue for another three years.

Mr Keogh revealed the policy U-turn during an appearance on A Current Affair, the 9Now politics programme.

 

“As part of establishing the new Veterans’ and Families Wellbeing Agency, we’re transitioning funding for broader wellbeing support to the veteran community to that new agency,” Mr Keogh said.

“As we transition in order to maintain continuity and certainty of support services for our veteran community, we’re providing another three years of funding to Invictus Australia.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Australia has U-turned on its Invictus Games funding cuts after facing backlash from veterans

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The reversal came just over a fortnight after the initial cuts sparked an outcry from the veteran community.

The budget announcement on May 12 revealed that all Commonwealth support for the not-for-profit organisation had been eliminated, a decision that left many veterans devastated.

Invictus Australia, which helps former service personnel and their families reconnect with their communities through sport, depends heavily on Government grants alongside donations and corporate sponsorships.

Federal funding accounts for the majority of the charity’s income, totalling roughly $3million (£1.5million) annually.

Matt Keogh

Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs of Australia delivers a speech at the Invictus Australia Reception at The Australian War Memorial on April 15, 2026

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Veterans reacted with dismay to the initial cuts. Air Force veteran Rachel Kerrigan told A Current Affair: “It broke my heart. I literally cried.”

She described the withdrawal of support as “such a slap in the face.”

Navy veteran Luke, who served for nearly two decades, expressed similar frustration: “All we’re after – after our loyalty and service – is just a bit of help.”

The charity’s sport and rehabilitation programmes have proven transformative for veterans struggling with physical and mental health challenges.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the University of Bath Sports Training Village, Bath, for the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018

The Invictus Games are coming to the UK in 2027 | PA

Ms Kerrigan, who was diagnosed with chronic PTSD and severe depressive disorder in 2010 after serving in Afghanistan, attempted to take her own life three times. At her lowest point, she was living in her car with her daughter.

Competing at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando changed everything. “What the Games actually gave me was the belief in myself again,” she said. “My daughter has a mother now because of Invictus.”

Luke, who became a bilateral amputee following injuries sustained while fast-roping from a helicopter, spent three years in isolation before adaptive sports brought him back.

Colin McCallum, a former Navy aircrewman of nearly 30 years, credits the organisation’s programmes with saving his life.

The Duke of Sussex speaking during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany

The Duke of Sussex speaking during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany | PAThe announcement was met with relief and gratitude from the organisation’s leadership.

Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung said: “We thank the federal government for reviewing the decision to discontinue funding for Invictus Australia and are delighted that veterans and their families will be able to continue to benefit from our world-leading program in the years ahead.”

He praised the veteran community’s role in securing the reversal, noting their advocacy and willingness to share personal stories had been “incredibly powerful.”

Rob Owen OBE, chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation, welcomed the decision as “fantastic news” given the proven impact of sport on veteran recovery, rehabilitation and suicide prevention.

When Ms Kerrigan learned of the funding restoration, she wept. “This is the biggest relief,” she said. “It means we can keep saving lives.”

cre: https://www.gbnews.com/royal/prince-harry-news-australia-u-turn-invictus-games-funding-backlash