Date: Wednesday, 3 July 2024 at 11:13 AM
To:
Subject: Introduction of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Good morning,
We are pleased to let you know that earlier today the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 was introduced into Parliament.
This represents a significant milestone in responding to the Interim Report by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which recommended that the Government simplify and harmonise the framework for veterans’ rehabilitation, compensation and other entitlements.
Your submissions have helped the Government to respond to the issues you told us are of most concern to you. Since consultation was undertaken in early 2024, the following changes have been made to the Bill:
veterans in receipt of DRCA incapacity payments will automatically transition to MRCA incapacity payments on the date of commencement;
where the Repatriation Medical Authority updates a Statement of Principles (SoP) between the veteran’s primary and reviewable decision, the version of the SoP which is most beneficial to the veteran’s circumstances will be applied; and
introduction of an instrument making power that will enable the Commission to determine circumstances where a veteran must receive financial advice before receiving a lump sum payment.
The updated Bill and Explanatory Memorandum can be found on the Australian Parliament House website, as well as on DVA’s website at www.dva.gov.au/legislationreform. The materials to assist you in understanding the legislation are still available on the DVA website, along with an updated information booklet.
The Bill will now be subject to Parliamentary processes.
Thank you again for your ongoing interest and engagement with this work.
Yours faithfully,
Legislative Reform Branch
Policy Division
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
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