Today on Vietnam Veterans’ Day we pay tribute to the more than 60,000 Australian veterans who served in our uniform in Vietnam. We remember the 3,000 Australians wounded in the line of duty and the 523 who lost their lives. Australia’s Vietnam veterans did our...
Minister Matt Keogh
MEDIA RELEASE: New legislation to simplify and harmonise veteran compensation
Wednesday 3rd Jul 2024
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...
Press Conference 28 Feb 2024 Minister Keogh: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide; Veterans’ Legislation Reform
Wednesday 28th Feb 2024
It is important to read the Minister's comments and responses to the Reporters' questions which provide indepth comment and understanding of its application and intended progress. READ MORE. The Minister's Radio Interview on ABC am 28 Feb 2024 with David Lipson
Media Release: Consultation now open on Veterans’ Legislation Reform
Wednesday 28th Feb 2024
The Albanese Government has today released exposure draft legislation which will simplify and harmonise the century old veterans’ entitlements, compensation and rehabilitation system. The current system is difficult to understand and complex to administer. The Royal...
Statement from the Secretary of DVA on the Veterans’ MATES Program
Tuesday 13th Feb 2024
The Department is aware that the withdrawal of Defence and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Human Research Ethics Committee approval on Monday, 5 February 2024 has increased concerns in the veteran community regarding the Veterans’ MATES Program (MATES),...
Media Release – Minister Keogh – Veteran Claims Backlog Elimination Imminent
Tuesday 13th Feb 2024
The Albanese Government was elected on a commitment to properly resource the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to eliminate the unacceptable backlog of veteran compensation claims. In the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s Interim Report, serious...
Aussie war heroes are ‘not broken’ says Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh
Thursday 30th Nov 2023
Australia’s war veterans are “not broken”, despite the publicity surrounding the royal commission into defence and veteran suicide, the minister for veterans affairs Matt Keogh has told a leading British security think tank. Mr Keogh addressed the Royal United Service...
Consultation on new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy underway
Monday 7th Aug 2023
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has made it abundantly clear that more needs to be done to support the mental health and wellbeing of Defence personnel, veterans and families. We’re taking action. Today I hosted a round-table meeting with mental...
Making sure veterans get the very best support available
Thursday 12th Jan 2023
Every time someone pulls on an Australian Defence Force (ADF) uniform they make a solemn vow. They are pledging to serve and defend our nation, to protect the values we hold dear – freedom, democracy, equality, respect and a fair go. All Australians owe a debt of...
Government seeks your feedback on veterans’ legislative reform
Monday 17th Oct 2022
Consultation on reforming veterans’ legislation has commenced today with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) seeking submissions from the community. The Australian Government recently agreed to Recommendation 1 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran...