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The 8th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Association Incorporated.

INCORPORATED IN QUEENSLAND.

ABN 157 362 866

PO Box 213 Scarborough

Qld 4020

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ESORT On Budget 26/27

The Ex-Service Organisations Round Table (ESORT) met on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 to receive a briefing on the 2026-27 Federal Budget from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP.

The Budget, handed down by the Treasurer Tuesday 12 May 2026, provided significant additional funding over the forward estimates to continue support for veterans and families of veterans. This funding supports DVA and Defence to implement critical recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, while also further improving services for the veteran community.

Continuing to support veterans and families of veterans

The Government has committed $169.7 million over five years (and $58.8 million per year ongoing) to increase allied health provider fees for Veteran Card holders from 1 July 2027.  This is the largest investment in allied health fees in more than 20 years and will improve choice and availability of services for veterans and families of veterans.

 

This investment is enabled by the introduction of a $5,000 Annual Monetary Limit for veterans’ allied health services from 1 July 2027.  The annual limit can be used by Veteran Card holders each financial year across a range of allied health services, based on their individual treatment needs and preferences.

 

Veterans will continue to access treatment they need, with a mechanism for seeking funding above the annual limit, where clinically required.  Introducing the annual limit supports the Government to sustainably deliver the significant increase in allied health provider feeds, while ensuring veterans are not taken advantage of in cases where some providers are looking to increase profits through over-servicing.

 

In addition, the Government has provided $3.4 million over two years from 2026-27 to extend the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment Program to 31 December 2027, and $0.5 million in 2026-27 to extend the Veteran Employment Program for a further six months to 31 December 2026.

 

Establishing the National Veterans’ Data Asset

The Budget includes $29.8 million over three years to establish a National Veterans’ Data Asset (NVDA), delivered as a joint effort with partner agencies. DVA’s funding allocation is $12.9 million over three years from 2026–27. 

 

Implemented in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988, the National Veterans’ Data Asset responds directly to the Royal Commission’s Recommendation 107 to better integrate data across government, to support improved decision‑making on veteran health, wellbeing and suicidality. Once established, this will be the most comprehensive data source available to inform policy, service delivery and program evaluation and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for veterans and their families. 

 

 

ESORT Members in attendance:

Chair, Secretary, Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Deputy President, Repatriation Commission and MRCC Member

Repatriation Commissioner and MRCC Member

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association

Australian War Widows Inc

Defence Force Welfare Association

Defence Reserves Association

The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Inc

MRCC Member, Department of Defence (Proxy)

MRCC Member, Department of Defence (Proxy)

Returned and Services League of Australia (Proxy)

Royal Australian Regiment Corporation

Soldier On

TPI Federation Australia

Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner, MRCC Member

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia

Vietnam Veterans’ Federation of Australia

Apologies:

Air Force Association 

Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association

Australian Special Air Service Association

Defence Families Australia

MRCC Member, Department of Defence

MRCC Member, Department of Defence

Naval Association of Australia

Returned and Services League of Australia

The Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Inc

Legacy Australia Inc

Women Veterans Australia Ltd

 

 

The Latest Media Releases From The Minister

https://minister.dva.gov.au/minister-media-releases

 

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Ex-Service Organisations Round Table Budget 26/27 Brief

https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/2026-27-federal-budget-responds-to-royal-commission-recommendations

 

Veterans in Home Care

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) provides support services for veterans in home care through the Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) Program. This program offers in-home care and support services designed to help eligible DVA clients maintain their independence by providing practical assistance.

Services under the VHC Program include:

  • Domestic assistance
  • Personal care
  • Respite care
  • Home and garden maintenance for safety

Access to these services is through the VHC Assessment Agency, which confirms eligibility and conducts an assessment to determine the level of care needed. The VHC Assessment Agency can be contacted on 1300 550 450.

Please note that the VHC Assessment Agency will not be available on the public holidays of 25 December 2025, 26 December 2025, and 1 January 2026.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Veterans’ Home Care Program Overview and Access Information and the Veterans’ Home Care

Support Available from DVA  for Aged Care and In Home

https://www.dva.gov.au/ge

t-support/health-support/care-home-or-aged-care/aged-care-resources

Planning Ahead a Guide to putting Your Affairs In Order

This is an excellent  valuable resource for you and your Family.

https://www.dva.gov.au/documents-and-publications/planning-ahead-kit

Note: DVA will send the kit by mail if you request this.

Veterans Legislation Reform Update 30/10/2025:

Veterans’ Legislation Reform | Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Important Update on the Veterans Act: Click Below

The VETS Act – what it is and what it will do | Department of Veterans’ Affairs

New Aged Care Act Commencing 1NOV 2025: A new Aged Care Act is coming – what you need to know | Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Report Fraud and Corruption to Help Protect Veterans:

Report fraud and corruption to help protect veterans’ support | Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Statement of Advocacy from The Repatriation Commission of 16th OCT 2025. Go to the link below and search for: Statement of Advocacy.

https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are/the-repatriation-commission

6 November 2025

Veteran Affairs NEW FRAMEWORK FOR VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide Prevention Framework 2025-2031 and Implementation Plan | Department of Veterans’ Affairs

RAP SCHEDULE FOR EQUIPMENT AND AIDS AVAILABLE VIA MEDICAL PRACTITONERS

The RAP schedule | Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Defence Newspapers Army. Navy & Air Force:

https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/defence-newspapers

Notice : The Magazine  8 Ball will only be published on an Annual Basis in February of each year From this Day Forward. Copies will be available on the Notice Board 8 Ball Tab

8 Ball November 2024 Issue

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The 8 Ball Aug 2023 Issue

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The 8Ball March 2023 Issue  

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The Latest 8 Ball

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https://8rarassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Behind-The-8-Ball-April-2025.pdf