Fundamental reform needed

Last week, the Productivity Commission published the findings of its report into the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

Behind the scenes, our highly qualified team at RSL Queensland has reviewed each iteration of this report, providing responses based on our experience and the experience of our members across Queensland. We prepared two detailed written submissions and appeared before the Commission twice to further expand on those submissions. The final report quoted RSL Queensland 47 times, indicating that our submissions were not only heard but fully considered.

The Productivity Commission Report found that the current veterans’ compensation and rehabilitation system needs fundamental reform to ensure it works in the best interests of veterans and their families, and continues to do so as their needs change.

It stressed that any future veteran support system must consider veterans’ wellbeing over their entire lifetime, focusing on preventing injury and illness, rehabilitation and transition support.

Further recommendations included:

• a single Minister responsible for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs (this has already been actioned by the Federal Government)
• an annual premium levied on Defence
• rationalisation of the three Acts that govern veteran rehabilitation and compensation
• no further expansion of Gold Card eligibility
• establishment of a Joint Transition Authority
• leveraging support from ex-service organisations
• a lifetime approach to suicide prevention and rehabilitation.

Click here to download a summary of the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report: A Better Way to Support Veterans.