The Turnbull Government has today (28 March 2018) announced a Productivity Commission inquiry into the system of compensation and rehabilitation for veterans.
The Commission is the Government’s independent research and advisory body on a range of issues affecting the welfare of Australians.
This inquiry will examine whether the system of compensation and rehabilitation for veterans is fit for purpose now and into the future. It follows the Government’s response to a report by the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade on suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel.
The Commission will also review the governance arrangements, administrative processes and service delivery of the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the inquiry will build on the Government’s agenda of placing the needs of veterans and their families at the centre of the services provided by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
“As we mark 100 years of repatriation and continue caring for the next generation of veterans, this inquiry will help inform how we deliver services for our ex-service men and women and their families into the future,” Mr Chester said.
The Commission is due to report to Government within 15 months.
Public consultation will be undertaken as part of the inquiry and the Government encourages all interested parties to participate. Further information and the terms of reference are available on the Commission’s website.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546). VVCS is a service founded by Vietnam veterans.