Our work in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
DVA Last updated:10 September 2024
https://www.dva.gov.au/about/our-work-response-royal-commission-defence-and-veteran-suicide
Hi all,
This has been a bit of a marathon (ten years) but now in Bill form. Our caveat has always been that no veteran or family should be worse off by losing any entitlements.
Cheers
Mike von Berg
President RARA INC.
Media Release - Minister Keogh - New Legislation to Simplify and Harmonise Veteran Compensation
Department of Veterans' Affairs
OFFICIAL
THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
3 JULY 2024
new legislation to simplify and harmonise veteran compensation
The Albanese Government is simplifying and harmonising Australia’s veterans’ rehabilitation and compensation system – with new legislation introduced today.
Under the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, all new compensation claims from 1 July 2026 will be dealt with under a single piece of legislation – an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) – regardless of when or where the veteran served.
This is another important step in responding to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Interim Report and is the result of significant community consultation.
In August 2022, the Royal Commission told us that legislation governing compensation and rehabilitation for veterans and their families is ‘so complicated that it adversely affects the mental health of some veterans and can be a contributing factor to suicidality’.
After decades of piecemeal change built on top of a century of different veterans’ entitlements legislation, these reforms will deliver a system that is easier for veterans and families to understand what they are entitled to, and will make it simpler for veteran advocates to assist veterans, so veterans receive the benefits and supports they need and deserve.
Importantly the legislation will enable the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to process claims quicker – so the veteran community can receive the benefits and supports they need and deserve in a timely manner.
As part of these reforms, the Government is enhancing various entitlements including:
The introduction of a new Additional Disablement Amount (ADA), similar to the existing Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA). This would compensate veterans who are Age Pension age or older and who have a high degree of incapacity due to service-related conditions.
Introduction of ‘presumptive liability’, allowing the Repatriation Commission to specify injuries and diseases that can be determined on a presumptive basis where they are known to have a common connection with military service – without needing to engage with the Statement of Principles system.
Consolidation of household and attendant care, travel for treatment, and retention of automatic granting of VEA funeral benefits in the MRCA.
An increase to $3,000 for funeral allowance for previous automatic grant categories under the VEA, and the availability of reimbursement of funeral expenses up to $14,062 for all service-related deaths.
The availability to all veterans of the higher reimbursement amount, regardless of kilometres, when a private vehicle is used to travel for treatment.
Standardisation of allowances and other payments, including: acute support packages, Victoria Cross and decoration allowances, education schemes, prisoner of war ex gratia payments, and additional compensation for children of severely impaired veterans.
Enhancement of the Repatriation Commission’s ability to grant special assistance to veterans and their dependants.
Veterans in receipt of Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence Related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) incapacity payments will automatically transition to MRCA incapacity payments on the date of commencement.
Where the Repatriation Medical Authority updates a Statement of Principle between the veteran’s primary and reviewable decision, the version of the Statement which is most beneficial to the veteran’s circumstances will be applied.
Introduction of an instrument making power that will enable the Commission to determine circumstances where a veteran must receive financial advice before receiving a lump sum payment.
Under our changes, no veteran will see a reduction to their benefits.
Where a veteran is currently receiving benefits under an existing scheme, that will continue unaffected.
This year’s Federal Budget set aside an additional $222 million for veteran and family entitlements across the two years from commencement of this legislation.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh:
“We promised to act, and we have.
“This is a huge step forward for Australia’s veteran community and will benefit our current and former service personnel for generations to come.
“This legislation will ensure a better future for defence personnel, veterans and families.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au
For more information, visit www.dva.gov.au/legislationreform
Australians lost a record $3.1 billion to scams in 2022.
These are the top 5 scams by losses reported to Scamwatch in 2022:
•Investments
•Dating & romance
•False billing
•Phishing ( Hi Mum need some money; Hi Jim do you have a Minute to spare for Arthur Koo etc. etc) these get you to reply, or open an attachment and inevitably get money or your banking details.
•Remote access Awareness is the best defence against scams.
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ Is the government website do yourself and family a favour and have a look at it.
A general rule is: If you do not recognise the sender or the email address of the sender, Click on Junk Email- Block Sender.
HMAS Sydney (Vung Tau Ferry): https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-sydney-iii-part-2
Link to DVA RAP Equipment List:
https://www.dva.gov.au/providers/rehabilitation-appliances-program-rap/rap-schedule
This List includes non-dietary products EG. Optifast.
Downsizer contributions for individuals:
Check your eligibility to make a downsizer contribution, how much you can contribute and how to make a contribution.
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/In-detail/Growing-your-super/Downsizer-contributions-for-individuals/
Published: 15/12/2022
Downsizing contributions into superannuation
If you have reached the eligible age, you may be able to contribute up to $300,000 from the proceeds of the sale (or part sale) of your home into your superannuation fund.
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/Growing-your-super/Adding-to-your-super/Downsizing-contributions-into-superannuation/
Published: 15/12/2022
ArmyRestructure2020/2028:
https://cove.army.gov.au/sites/default/files/forces_command_plan_2020_to_2028.pdf
Australian War Memorial Site: www.awm.gov.au/
Poem OLD MATE by Gary Swalling: https://youtu.be/NHGsMYtrYOc
RAR Assoc National Website: www.rarnational.org.au
1 RAR Website:www.1rar.asn.au/home/
2 RAR: 2rar-association.net.au/
3 RAR South Australia Association Website: TBA
4 RAR Website; www.4rarassociationsaustralia.com/
5 RAR Website: www.5rar.asn.au/
6 RAR Website: www.6rarassociation.com/
7 RAR Website:www.7rar.asn.au/
9 RAR QLD Website: www.9rarqld.org
2/4 RAR: www.24rarassociation.com
8/9 RAR Website:www.9rarqld.org
9 RAR South Australia Website: www.9rarsa.org
RAR Assoc QLD Website: www.rar.org.au/QLDHome.html
RARSA: www.rarasa.org.au/
Dr Bob Hall UNSW
Visit the Australian Vietnam War Website:
vietnam.unsw.adfa.edu.au
For The Search for Tactical Success in Vietnam:
www.cambridge.org/9781107098442
Defence Force Welfare Association; www.dfwa.org.au
Department of Veterans Affairs
Weve Got your Back: www.facebook.com/DVAAus/videos/1439435519451875/
Touchbase Mental Health :www.touchbase.org.au/mental-health
Veterans Family Toolkit:
Planning Ahead Kit available from your local DVA Branch: Preparing for and Coping with Bereavement
Planning ahead kit
… designed to help veterans and their families prepare for bereavement. Personal Information Sheet D8729 Medical Details … designed to help veterans and their families prepare for bereavement. Personal Information Sheet D8729 Medical Details …
Site search | Department of Veterans Affairs (dva.gov.au) Search Berevement.
QLD Association Incorporations ACT
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-1981-074
Department of Defence Website
Qualifications Certificates Email: yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au
SVC #; Full Name; SVC DATES:
Website: yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au Jobs and People/ Recognition of Qualifications
VETERANS RETREATS:
veteranretreat.tripod.com/retreats.htm#stand
The Long Ride by Laurie (truck) Sams ex SASR Raising Funds for PTSD
To Donate
www.thelongridehome.com.au