The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, The Hon Matt Keogh MP, has announced that the Government will be undertaking consultation with the veteran community and other stakeholders about a proposed pathway to simplify the veterans’ legislative framework: Veterans’ Legislation Reform Consultation Pathway takes shape | Minister for Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)

Information about the consultation process can also be found here: www.dva.gov.au/legislationconsultation2023.

Why has this become necessary? The Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide found that the complexity of the veterans’ system is adversely affecting the mental health of veterans. The proposal being put forward for consultation by the Government is for a future model where all claims would be considered under the existing Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, rather than the three legislative schemes as is currently the case. This proposal would effectively implement many of the reforms recommended by the Productivity Commission in its 2019 report A Better Way to Support Veterans, with simpler outcomes.

Attached is a booklet that outlines the need for reform and further details about the proposal.

The Minister and the Department will be undertaking direct consultation with key ex-service organisations around the country. While details of these consultations are still being finalised, there is an opportunity for you to have a say.

The Department will also be consulting ex-service organisations through the National Consultative Framework and other key forums. In addition, consultation with veterans and their families, ADF members and other key stakeholders will be undertaken through webinars.

Written submissions from any interested parties, have also been invited, by 12 May 2023.

RSL Victoria welcomes and encourages you all to put forward your personal views through to vsd@rslvic.com.au to be considered for inclusion in the outline submission to RSLA.

RSL Victoria will continue to update you all on how consultation is proceeding.