MILITARY COMPENSATION

20 Sep 2011

 

In April 2009 the Federal Government commissioned a Review of Military Compensation Arrangements (the Campbell Review) to ensure appropriate support and compensation is being provided to Australias veterans and ex-service personnel.

Consultation with members and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families, Ex-Service Organisations, key agencies and other stakeholders has been undertaken. Submissions closed on 30 June 2009.

The Review is examining the operation of the current military compensation schemes, with specific reference to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. It addresses long standing issues including disparities and perceived inequities between the three compensation Acts and difficulties encountered by those transitioning out of the services or making claims.

The aim of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) was to incorporate the best features of the other two existing military compensation Acts, the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA) and the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA). This has largely been achieved.

However, there are significant shortcomings and anomalies in the legislation and its application that need to be corrected. They have been highlighted in the ESOs submissions to the Review.

The report was released by the Minister for Veterans Affairs on 18 March 2011 and released for feedback from the defence and veteran communities up to 30 June 2011. The Government will consider the feedback provided before it formulates its response to the report.

Proposal: That the Government hasten the Reports release.