Mr Chester said people who serve in the Defence Force have a difficult job, but they overwhelmingly had positive experiences and they are proud of that service.

"We need to stop talking down the veterans and we need to provide the hope, optimism and confidence to help the veterans transition well and succeed in civilian life," Mr Chester said.

"Whether it is in conflict situations or peace keeping or humanitarian aid and disaster relief, they have a tough job and they do it very well."

The royal commission into defence and veteran suicide, announced in April, was "a chance to unite the veteran community," he added.

Support for Australia's 325,000 veterans and their families "needs reform", the minister said, adding that the Veterans Affairs Department was getting an extra $775 million and 450 additional staff.

"It needs reform and we're working in a constructive and positive way with the veteran community to achieve those reforms"

Mr Chester made a note of thanks to DVA and volunteers who run ex-service organisations and informal groups for the amazing work to support their mates as they leave active service.

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"It is a partnership and we can be proud of the fact that over the past 100 years in this place we have worked together to create a system of support that looks after our veterans and their families upon their transition," he said.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the whole nation owed a great debt to the men and women who wear the uniform.

"We should look after them after they take off the uniform because we owe them that," the Opposition Leader said.

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