Improving how we meet the needs of veterans
Don Spinks AM
Repatriation Commissioner
Compensation claims
As Repatriation Commissioner, I am often asked by veterans and families how they can best navigate the claims process. In this edition of Vetaffairs, we share with you a feature on how you can make the process as smooth as possible. I encourage you to read it.
For those of you who have lodged a claim with the department, please know that DVA is working hard to process your claim as quickly as possible.
The department has seen a doubling of claims lodged over the past three years – including a three-fold increase in Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) liability claims. This has meant that some veterans are waiting longer for their claim to be allocated to a delegate and decided.
When lodging your claim, you can assist by providing all the required information at that time or as soon as possible afterwards. If you are unsure of what information is required you should contact DVA for advice. If your circumstances change while you are waiting, it is vital that you contact DVA and let them know.
It’s also important to note that there is support available to you while you wait for your claim/s to be finalised. This includes the Veteran Payment and the Provisional Access to Medical Treatment program (PAMT).
The Veteran Payment is an interim means-tested payment veterans may receive while DVA assesses their mental health claim. Veterans may be eligible for the Veteran Payment once they have lodged a claim for a mental health condition under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) or MRCA.
The PAMT enables veterans to access treatment for the 20 most commonly accepted conditions while DVA assesses their claim under the DRCA or MRCA.
More information on the Veteran Payment and the PAMT can be found on the DVA website.
Further, on leaving the military all veterans with at least one day of full-time service, and some categories of part-time reservists, have access to a Veteran White Card, which provides access to free mental health care for life, without the need to link the condition to their service. This is known as Non-Liability Health Care.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling also provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former serving ADF members and families. Open Arms can be reached on 1800 011 046, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If needed, I urge anyone waiting for a claim to be finalised to access the additional services and supports available to you.
Return of face-to-face commemorative services
Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased, it is fantastic that we once again have the opportunity to attend commemorative ceremonies in person on days of special significance.
It was great to see the return of full public commemorative services overseas on Anzac Day this year, including in Turkey and France for the first time since 2019. Thousands gathered in Australia and around the world to commemorate Anzac Day and pay tribute to those who have served our nation in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. I was privileged to be able to participate in the solemn and dignified ceremonies delivered by the Australian and New Zealand Governments at Gallipoli, including as Master of Ceremonies of the Lone Pine service.
In May, I had the honour of attending the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for the ceremony to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Battles for Greece and Crete. I was also privileged to attend the unveiling of a memorial to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women in Brisbane’s Anzac Square.
These activities help to raise community awareness and understanding of the service and sacrifice of our military personnel and families. They are also important in improving the wellbeing of our veterans and I am very glad that in recent times we’ve had the chance to start reconnecting face-to-face.
2022 Napier Waller Art Prize
In June, I attended the launch of the 2022 Napier Waller Art Prize.
DVA is a proud sponsor of the Art Prize and it was wonderful to see the entries that were selected as the highly commended works for this year’s Prize on exhibition at Parliament House. The exhibition runs until 20 November.
There are many inspiring stories about the benefits art can have on veterans’ wellbeing and mental health.
I congratulate all the artists who entered this year’s Prize and whose amazing work appears in the physical exhibition and the accompanying one online. I also congratulate this year’s winner: retired Major, Mrs Anneke Jamieson, for her portrait titled The Promotion.
Not only does this Prize and exhibition showcase the artistic talent of our current and former serving personnel, it also helps the Australian public better understand the unique experiences of veterans and families.
Repatriation Commissioner, Don Spinks (right), and Deputy Commissioner – Victoria, Michael Harper, at the 81st Anniversary Commemorative Service for the Battles for Greece and Crete held at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne.