Laws surrounding Australian veterans’ rehabilitation and compensation system have been made simpler, thanks to a change in legislation announced earlier last month.
It comes after the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Interim Report recommended that all compensation claims should be filed under one legislation, regardless of where the veteran served.
According to the Royal Commission, the legislation governing compensation and rehabilitation was so complicated that it was increasing the risk of mental health issues and suicide.
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell shared the news, stating that the reforms would deliver a system easier to understand and receive benefits under.
“We promised to act on this, and we have,” he said.
“This is a huge step forward for Australia’s veterans’ 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.”
Under the new changes, no veteran will see a reduction to their benefits and where a veteran is currently receiving benefits under an existing scheme, this will continue unaffected.
The new legislation will only add to supports by eliminating the backlog of some 42,000 veteran compensation claims, adding 10 more Veterans and Families Hubs across the nation, delivering a Veteran Employment Program to transition veterans from service to work, and improving access to crisis support, among other benefits.
The new model will come into effect July 1, 2026.
To learn more, visit www.dva.gov.au/legislationreform.
