New veterans advisory body launched

The government has launched a new Prime Ministerial Advisory Council to focus on the mental health of war veterans

The government has launched a new advisory body that focuses on the mental health of war veterans (AAP)

The government has launched a new Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on veterans' issues, with a brief to focus on mental health.

That would be headed by former Navy chief Vice Admiral Russ Crane, with Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC as deputy chairman, Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Ronaldson says.

The council would include experts in mental health plus representatives of the defence force, veteran community and industry.

"The government is determined to prioritise the mental health care of veterans and their families now and into the future," Senator Ronaldson said in a statement.

"We must never stop looking for ways to improve the support we provide to those who have served our nation."

The former Labor government launched the initial PMAC in 2008 to advise on a range of veterans' issues.

Senator Ronaldson said consultative arrangements had been reviewed and it had been decided the PMAC should focus on mental health, especially among those who had served since 1975.