RSL Victoria Urges Government to Reconsider Lump Sum Payments

RSL Victoria has urged the Federal Government to consider the issue of lump sum compensation payments for vulnerable veterans as it begins to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

This comes after multiple incidents in Victoria in recent years, where veterans’ physical, mental and financial wellbeing have been placed at significant risk after receiving one large payment.

These have included situations where existing mental health or addiction issues have been exacerbated through management of the funds, or where the influx of money has made the vulnerable veteran a target for robbery and physical violence.

The worst of these have been life-threatening, including stabbings and shootings.

RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster has written to the government and opposition to provide greater information and clarity on the issue and highlight its urgency, while proposing possible solutions.

“RSL Victoria is keen to work with government to better support vulnerable veterans in rebuilding their lives,” Dr Webster said.

“Assisting veterans is the number one priority of RSL Victoria. We deal with these challenges every day, and our understanding of them makes us best placed to help provide solutions.

When a vulnerable veteran is going to receive a significant lump sum compensation payment, we believe it is vital that financial protection is afforded to that veteran.

DR ROBERT WEBSTER

“A scheme that would allow trustees to administer payments for vulnerable veterans is one policy suggestion RSL Victoria has put forward to government.”

“RSL Victoria would continue to follow its core purpose by assisting vulnerable veterans in these situations; however, it would not seek to be appointed a trustee in these cases.”

In 2023, RSL Victoria achieved a landmark decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) when it secured a state-appointed trustee to manage the compensation payment for a veteran who had faced significant hardship since being discharged from the Australian Defence Force in the early 2000s.

“We believe this decision can be a template for policy to better protect veterans who are most at risk. Progressing this as recommendations from the Royal Commission are implemented would make a real difference in the lives of veterans.”

These incidents and the trustee policy scheme were also suggested as part of RSL Victoria’s submission to the Royal Commission.

Acting on behalf of veterans, RSL Victoria’s Compensation Advocacy program has worked to have the injuries and trauma acquired by veterans during their ADF service recognised with compensation payments.