From the Minister
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
When an Australian signs up to our Defence Force, they make a solemn vow to defend Australia, to operate in support of our national interest.
That is why, as a Government and as a nation we have a solemn obligation to look after our Defence Force personnel, veterans and families. To ensure that for those who find themselves needing support – that it is readily available.
It is abundantly clear that one of the greatest problems facing veterans who are seeking support from DVA is the complex legislative system that results in the convoluted, difficult to navigate and slow veterans’ compensation system we see today.
It is fair to say that consecutive Governments have not always lived up to their end of the bargain.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made a number of recommendations targeted at improving service delivery and we continue to work to address those. One of those recommendations called on the Government to simplify and harmonise the veteran compensation and rehabilitation legislation.
In February, I announced the Albanese Government proposed a pathway forward to reform more than a century of legislation and amendments. Under our proposed pathway, all new claims will be dealt with under a single Act – an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, with existing claimants being grandparented with their existing entitlements.
Right now, public consultations are underway, seeking feedback on this proposed pathway that seeks to reform more than a century of legislation.
I strongly encourage you to have your say. Submissions on the pathway remain open until 12 May. More information is on the front page of this edition of Vetaffairs, and I also refer you to the DVA website, where you can download our Veterans Legislation Reform Consultation Pathway document, review frequently asked questions and case studies and make a submission.
In March, I met with veteran-focused companies at the Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow. Veterans make an amazing contribution to all sectors of the civilian workforce, but it is clear they play a particularly important role in the defence industry – and I’d like to recognise you all for your continued contribution to sovereign capability.
On that note, nominations are open for the 2023 Prime Minister’s National Employment Awards, so I encourage you to get a nomination in if you know of a veteran, family member or organisation who is excelling. Nominations for the 2023 Awards close on 14 April.
One of the Government’s main priorities, and election commitments, is the roll-out of the Veterans’ & Families’ Hubs. I’ve been engaging with local communities around the country with the highest concentration of veterans on what they would like to see in the new hubs, to meet their needs, rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach. Soon, I will make announcements about the exact locations of the new hubs, as well as the organisations selected to operate them – that selection process is now underway.
It was a huge honour to be the first Minister in the Defence portfolio to join Defence personnel marching in Mardi Gras, as part of World Pride. Our people in Defence, our personnel, are our most important capability. And it's certainly the case historically, and even sometimes recently, that not everyone in Defence has felt as valued as they should have been. I want to make sure everyone in our Defence Force, in the Department of Defence and in our broader veteran community is valued for the contribution, skills and capability that they bring. Our diversity is a strength and enhances our capability.
I want to thank the Defence personnel, veterans, families and ex-service organisations around the country that have been so generous with their time, contributing to consultation sessions with me, be they focused on our new Veterans’ & Families’ Hubs or our Veterans' Legislation Reform Consultation Pathway. I greatly value your feedback. I can't wait to see what we can achieve together for a better future for our veterans and families.
Finally, this will be my first Anzac Day as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. It will be a sombre reminder of what members of Australia’s military have sacrificed over the last century and more. As we approach Anzac Day, I thank you and your families for your service and sacrifice. Lest we forget.
Attending the Last Post Service at the commencement of the Parliamentary year; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins Minister Keogh and Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite to march with Defence personnel at Mardi Gras 2023.
