Support for Veteran Compensation Entitlements Legislation Welcomed
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed the cross-party support in the Senate and the passing of legislation to harmonise veteran compensation and entitlements.
The RSL says the support for the veteran community expressed by Senators across the chamber is heartening and the passing of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, is a significant step towards improving the lives of veterans and their families.
The Bill consolidates three complex and confusing pieces of legislation into one simplified act – and is designed to make it easier for veterans and their families, to access compensation and entitlements provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
National President Greg Melick says veterans and their families are at the heart of the legislation, which the RSL has long advocated for.
“Veterans and their families have waited a long time for these critical reforms, and we’re grateful to Senators from all sides for ensuring passage of these much-improved laws through Parliament before it rises for the federal election,” Greg Melick said.
“The policies and processes that flow from this new Act must make it simpler and quicker for veterans to access the rehabilitation and compensation that can support them to reach their full economic and social potential.
“The RSL worked to make sure the voices of veterans, and their families, informed this legislative change, and we will continue to ensure they have a voice as the Government responds to other recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.”
Greg Melick said the RSL expressed its thanks to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Keogh for progressing this legislation and his commitment to delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for veterans and their families.
“We noted the Government’s amendment to establish the new Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission (DVSC) to oversee system reform across the whole Defence ecosystem,” he said.
“This late amendment, to establish the DVSC within the Defence portfolio rather than as an independent entity, was brought forward by the Government without proper consultation. Importantly, it has not been informed by the veteran community.
“While the RSL did not oppose this amendment in order to avoid further delay in the passage of the Bill, we advocate that it is critical for the Government to work with the veteran community to ensure that the voices of veterans and their families inform the structure, operations and powers of the DVSC. As such, the RSL calls on the Government to promptly establish an open and transparent public consultation process without delay and to remain open to further amendments to ensure the DVSC has the necessary independence,” he said.
Greg Melick said the RSL is continuing to prepare veteran advocates for the 1 July 2026 start date and is also working to inform the establishment of a new Institute for Veteran Advocates that can best enable advocates to meet the current and future needs of veterans, and their families.
“The RSL and veterans now look forward to the Government building on its positive initial response to the Royal Commission, to fully and sustainably fund and implement the recommendations contained in its final report. The forthcoming Budget provides the opportunity to achieve this,” he said.
