IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED TO VETERANS’ ADVOCACY SERVICES

A REPORT on advocacy services for veterans and their families has identified a number of ways to simplify access to support and services. 

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the report of the Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study, conducted by Mr Robert Cornall AO, was an important next step in the ongoing transformation of services for veterans and their families. 

The report, which was released today, puts forward 12 recommendations providing a pathway forward on advocacy services. The Minister is seeking feedback from the community before acting on any of the recommendations. 

"Mr Cornall identified a number of ways to make it simpler for veterans and their families to gain access to the support and services they deserve, when and where they need them," Mr Chester said.

"The report’s recommendations address many of the issues I’ve been hearing about as I’ve travelled around Australia meeting with veterans."

The recommendations build on the excellent work the Advocacy Training and Development Program has done in developing the accredited course in Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Advocacy.

The report, together with the draft recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Veterans’ Compensation and Rehabilitation, provides ideas to support the improvements already under way in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

"No decisions have yet been made about the recommendations as it’s important we take the time to consult with the veteran community. We also need to consider the Productivity Commission’s final report," Mr Chester said.

"I will continue to host roundtable discussions around the country and I encourage everyone with an interest in the wellbeing of veterans and their families to get involved and have a say."

To read the report visit www.dva.gov.au/AdvocacyStudy, and email your feedback and comments to advocacy.study@dva.gov.au by 30 April 2019.