From the Minister
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel
The rate of veteran suicide in Australia is a national tragedy, one that none of us can ignore.
The Royal Commission’s Final Report made it clear that across decades and successive governments, veterans and families have been let down. The harrowing stories we’ve heard over the last 3 years from personnel, veterans and their loved ones has made this an undeniable fact.
Stories like these were why we pushed for the Royal Commission and why from the moment the Report was handed down, we have made clear it would not be left to gather dust on a shelf.
Only days after the Royal Commission completed its work, I committed on behalf of the Government to respond in full before the end of the year and that we would establish an oversight body.
We have now delivered on that promise.
On 2 December, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and I released the Government response to all 122 of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. Government agreed or agreed-in-principle to 104 recommendations and further work will be done on the other 17. Only part of one recommendation was not accepted.
This response is a continuation of the most comprehensive and enduring reform of the culture, systems and processes supporting Defence personnel, veterans and their families ever undertaken.
It’s an historic moment, that will see real change inside Defence and DVA, to ensure veterans and families get the support they deserve, now and into the future.
The first step will be the establishment of an independent body to oversee these reforms, as recommended by the Royal Commission – the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission.
The Government will also provide funding to DVA to work with the veteran community on the design of a new agency focused on veterans’ wellbeing, and to establish an Ex-Service Organ[1]isation peak body.
Thank you to all those who came forward and bravely told your story to the Royal Commission. Your courage is driving the change needed to save lives.
Now the rubber truly hits the road, as we work to implement recommendations as swiftly as possible. I’ve heard the calls for urgent action from the veteran community and the Government’s response is a clear direction to Defence and DVA of our intent to deliver.
To follow what the Australian Government is doing in response to the Royal Commission’s Final Report, visit the DVA website: www.dva.gov.au.
As 2024 draws to a close, I wanted to take the time to reflect on some of our achievements this year.
We cleared the backlog of compensation claims defined by the Royal Commission a month early, and while the number of claims being made have continued to increase, thanks to the hard work of DVA staff, backlogs have not re-emerged. Now MRCA Initial Liability claims are being deter[1]mined on average in less than 90 days.
We’ve streamlined medical forms to make it simpler for medical professions and advocates to assist you with your claims and we’ve enhanced funding for veteran home care.
And much more.
Finally, we have been assured by the Opposition that they will support passage of the Veterans Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill (the VETS Bill) in the new year to deliver on the first recommendation of the Interim Report of the Royal Commission.
It’s been a huge year and next year will be even bigger.
I wish you a merry, healthy and safe Christmas.
MK
