Reviews of veteran advocacy

Find reports of reviews and research projects on veteran advocacy. The reports provide findings and recommendations to make veteran advocacy better. 

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Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim Report (2022)

On 11 August 2022, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide released its Interim Report, which provided 13 recommendations to the Australian Government.

You can read the Interim Report on the Royal Commission website. You can also read the Australian Government’s response to the Interim Report on the DVA website.

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Baseline study of current and future availability of ex-service organisation advocacy services research report (2021)

In 2021, the UNSW Social Policy Research Centre completed a research project to look at the existing capacity of the veterans’ advocacy workforce.

The aim of the project was to find out what may happen to the advocate workforce over the next few years. The report gives an overview of advocate availability, and identifies geographical or other service gaps where DVA might consider providing additional support. It also offers information to help ex-service organisations plan for the future delivery of both wellbeing and claims advocacy services.

Read the report on the Baseline study of current and future availability of ex-service organisation advocacy services.

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Productivity Commission report, A Better Way to Support Veterans (2019)

In 2019, the Productivity Commission delivered its report into the system of compensation and rehabilitation for current and former serving ADF members.

Chapter 12 of the report, ‘Advocacy, wellbeing supports and policy input’, looks at the role of advocates and organisations in the veteran support system, including:

• the services provided by veterans’ organisations
• the assistance given to veterans and families lodging claims
• the role of government and veterans’ organisations in a changing landscape of wellbeing support, and
• how DVA engages with advocates regarding veteran policy, and areas for improvement.

Read the report on A Better Way to Support Veterans.

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Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study (2018)

The aim of this study was to recommend the most suitable advocacy model for Australian veterans and families. The study identified the model should provide a service that:

• is sustainable, consistent, and reliable
• is scalable according to demand
• assists veterans and families to access their entitlements efficiently and effectively to allow them to focus on rehabilitation and their civilian life
• is at least comparable in quality and value to other cohorts accessing government entitlements
• is based on their needs, irrespective of age
• adequately protects their interests
• provides advice on why a claim is unsuccessful and options for appeal.

Led by Mr Robert Cornall AO, the study consulted with veteran, ex-service and Defence communities, with a particular interest in the emerging needs of younger veterans, female veterans and veteran families. There was a total of 227 submissions, including 174 from individuals and 53 from organisations. Hundreds of people attended meetings across Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Advocates, ex-service organisations and representatives of legal, health, disability and other community sectors, provided input. Veterans and family members shared their personal experiences. Officers from the Veterans’ Review Board, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and other government agencies also gave their input.

Read the Report, Discussion Paper and Terms of Reference.

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Review of DVA-Funded ESO Advocacy and Welfare Services (2011)

An independent team of senior public service officers conducted a review of advocacy and welfare services that DVA funds. The objectives of the review were to recommend a program that ensures:

• funding levels that enable efficient and effective service delivery
• the range of items eligible for funding are distinct
• appropriate services are provided for younger veterans
• the distribution of available funds is transparent and fair
• there is no duplication of ESO advocacy and welfare services funded by the government in individual locations and
• harmonious working relationships are established and maintained.

As part of the review, DVA consulted with ESOs and other stakeholders in state capitals and regional centres across Australia during October and November 2009. They received more than 130 submissions.

Read the Review Report and supporting documents.

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