False Claims of DVA Cuts Impacting Veterans

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) says false claims of cuts to Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) staff and services are adversely impacting on veterans and should cease immediately. 

The RSL says it has been advised by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton that his planned public service cuts, should he win government, will not involve DVA staff providing support and services for Australia’s veteran community. 

RSL National President Greg Melick has called out the Community and Public Sector Union whose national secretary, Melissa Donnelly has claimed veterans will suffer as a result of the proposed public service cuts and that veterans’ claims would blow out. 

“We have been assured by Opposition leader Dutton and the Shadow Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Barnaby Joyce that in the event of a Coalition Government following the election, that DVA staff and services to veterans would not be cut,” Greg Melick said. 

“The RSL welcomes that undertaking from the Coalition parties that matches the Labor Government’s commitment to our veterans. 

“False claims to the contrary are mischievous and only cause unnecessary concern and upset to the veteran community.” 

Greg Melick said it was disturbing for the RSL to be receiving so many calls from veterans concerned that any proposed public sector cuts may impact on their services and claims’ processing. 

“This fear campaign and political point-scoring, targeting the veteran community must cease. Our veterans have served Australia well and do not deserve to be worried about the future of their compensation claims and DVA services because of false and mischievous claims.”