Our work in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
DVA Last updated: 23 April 2025
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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
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.
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
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DVA RAP Equipment List (This List includes non-dietary products EG. Optifast.)
DVA Planning Ahead Kit available from your local DVA Branch: Preparing for and Coping with Bereavement:
Downsizer contributions for individuals (Published: 15/12/2022)
Downsizing contributions into superannuation (Published: 15/12/2022)
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Army Restructure 2020/2028
Australian War Memorial Site
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RAR Assoc National Website
1 RAR Website
2 RAR
3 RAR South Australia Association Website Site is under construction in 2025.
4 RAR Website
5 RAR Website
6 RAR Website
7 RAR Website
9 RAR Website
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8/9 RAR Website
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Defence Force Welfare Association
Weve Got your Back
Touchbase Mental Health
Veterans Family Toolkit: There are many organisations which supply these types of accommodation and services this is one of the larger providers in Australia. You must make your own decision with these matters. This is not recommendation for any particular supplier, just an example.
QLD Association Incorporations ACT
Department of Defence Website
Veterans Family Toolkit
Qualifications Certificates Email: yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au
SVC #; Full Name; SVC DATES:
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Veterans Family Toolkit
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For help with rehabilitation and general support services contact any of these support agencies
young diggers at
SOLDIER ON at 04 7858 9132 or visit
MATES4MATES at 1300 462837or visi
Are you or a member of your family experiencing anxiety or depression?
Contact BEYOND BLUE at 1300 22 4636 or visit
Drug Dangers
Anoxic Brain Injury.org
Injury Cooperative:
Pleural Mesothelioma For Veterans USA Site
Mesothelioma Symptoms:
Mesothelioma Guide:
121 S. Orange Avenue | Suite 1450 | Orlando, FL 32801
Mesothelioma Help. USA
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USA Veterans Affairs (Agent Orange)
Commanders' Diaries 8 RAR in Viet Nam
Vietnam War Resources Some Interesting Articles.
Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Study.www.covvhs.org.au
Changi POW Art By Des Bettany. Terrific Site.
Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans Association
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