VETERAN SUPPORT
VETERAN & FAMILY ISSUES
The ASASA is here to assist SAS veterans with DVA entitlements and family support. Through the state branch leadership, you can be put in touch with advocates and other supports familiar with complex DVA cases.
In WA we provide a team of SAS experience volunteer advocates who can assist with your claim. In other states Branch Secretaries can put you in touch with an SAS experienced advocate.
Don’t get bogged down and frustrated with your DVA claim; reach out for support.
Ex Service Organisations Round Table (ESORT)
The National Chairman of the ASASA represents SAS veterans on the Ex Service Organisations Round Table (ESORT) a federal government forum Chaired by the Secretary of DVA which aims to address issues of strategic importance to the ex-service and defence communities and assist in setting directions for the medium to long term.
ESORT engages with the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) and the Repatriation Coimmisiion , DVA and other ESO’s. ESORT provides advice to government, guides strategic directions in the Veterans Affairs Portfolio and is the main body foe r consultation under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 on laws applying to veterans.
Operational Working Party (OWP)
The Operational Working Party (OWP) is a second tier consultative forum designed to enhance the ex-service communities understanding of DVA’s service delivery performance through information sharing.
The OWP is a key forum for ex-service organisations to discuss concerns arising from the delivery of DVA services and it identifies and provides recommendations for improvement in operational policy to promote quality and accountability in service delivery. The ASASA representative on the OWP is SAS veteran and advocate Michael Carlon.
Younger Veterans Forum (YVF)
The Younger Veterans – Contemporary needs Forum is intended to assist in identifying priority emerging issues across the age spectrum for in the areas of mental health and social health.
The YVF assists in identifying emerging issues for veterans families and support networks and looks at trends across veteran cohorts and geography to raise awareness with DVA and subject matter experts. The ASASA representative on the YVF is SAS Veteran and advocate Nick Russon.
Your DVA Claim
ASASA encourages all members to talk with an ATDP accredited advocate prior to submitting any claims. If you wish to submit your own claims, we still recommend a consultation as an ATDP accredited advocate can provide advice about what DVA demands regarding evidence, to support a successful claim.
Even a simple hearing and tinnitus claim can be held up for several months if appropriate documentation is not submitted with the claim.
Advocates:
An ATDP advocate will not charge you any fees. All consultations are free. Across Australia there are volunteer and paid advocates working in RSLs and other ESOs. We have John Burrows and the Team in Swanbourne, Nick Russon in Broome and Michael Carlon in Portarlington. An ATDP advocate has been accredited by DVA and has undergone extensive training.
An advocate will take time to talk with you, to listen, to understand what you want and need, and to ensure that claims are properly supported with appropriate documentation, prior to submission.
A good advocate will develop, with you, a plan on how you can obtain the best results.
Advocacy MATTERS
Our Advocacy representatives across Australia do their best to update you on the latest news and stories from DVA. Vetaffairs is DVA's official newspaper for Australia's veteran community published three times a year.
Advocates are John Burrows and the Team in Swanbourne, Nick Russon in Broome and Michael Carlon in Portarlington. An ATDP advocate has been accredited by DVA and has undergone extensive training.
Our Advocates will take time to talk with you, listen, do their best to understand what you need, and to ensure that claims are properly supported with appropriate documentation, prior to submission.
We do our best to stay up to date and transparent in order to bring you the latest nes and updates from DVA and other sources.
ADVoCaCY NEWS & UPDATES
Further help
Well-being advocates and processes are also an essential part of veteran welfare.
Wellbeing advocates and teams can direct veterans to benefits and services that are available to support veterans and their families, both as they transition and in times of need post transition. A wellbeing advocate can provide hands on assistance and guidance in areas such as:
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Child scholarships
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Employment assistance
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Crisis assistance
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Housing assistance
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Information on community services and aged care
USEFUL LINKS & DOCUMENTS
DVA MATTERS
The Modernisation Program’s project to make the Veteran Card accessible in the myGov wallet is now a feature of the myGov app.
Veteran Card holders can now add a digital version of their Veteran Gold or White Card to the wallet within the myGov app.
DVA clients will need to have a DVA-issued Veteran White or Gold Card, a current MyService account and the myGov app downloaded on their smart phone to access their myGov wallet. The wallet is a convenient and secure way to keep some important government-issued cards and certificates together.
All items in the myGov app have protections against fraud and theft, including animated holograms and QR codes, which can be scanned to confirm the card is genuine and valid.
Veterans can continue to use their physical card if they prefer. For your reference, additional information is available for clients on the DVA website.
