Better access to information for ADF personnel and veterans

On 4 April, the Government announced that it has implemented a further five recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim Report.

Changes have been made to improve access to information and personnel records held by Defence and DVA, providing serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), veterans and families a more streamlined experience when seeking access to records.

This includes the establishment of Information Access Units within the two departments, additional education material on information-access processes, how and why redactions occur, and updates to both departments’ websites.

The Information Access Units will serve as a single point of contact within each department for information requests. The units are already working closely together to facilitate requests quickly and seamlessly.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, said the initiatives demonstrate commitment to improving access to information for ADF members, veterans and families.

‘The Royal Commission’s Interim Report was clear, as was the veteran and family community, that the information access process wasn’t fit for purpose. The Government has been working to address this as quickly as possible,’ he said.

‘Following a comprehensive co-design process with Defence personnel, veterans and families, DVA and Defence are implementing a raft of improvements to make sure the system is easier to navigate.’

Along with improving access to information, the Government continues to implement its response to the Royal Commission’s other recommendations. This includes engaging 500 new frontline DVA staff to eliminate the compensation claims backlog and the public consultation on a pathway to reform more than a century of veterans’ entitlement legislation, which is currently underway.

For more information about accessing information held by Defence or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or to provide feedback on new material and/or processes visit their websites.

The Government’s full response to the Royal Commission’s interim report can be found on the Royal Commission’s website. 

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072.