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The Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 is facing a wave of proposed changes from various political players. Let’s break down what these amendments mean for our Aussie veterans.

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The Government’s Pitch:

The government wants to streamline the complicated system of veterans’ entitlements, currently spread across three different laws. Their proposal focuses on:

• One Law to Rule Them All: Ditch the confusing three-law system and bring everything under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA), making it easier for veterans to understand their entitlements.
• No Veteran Left Behind: Existing entitlements will be protected under a ‘grandparenting’ system, ensuring no one loses out in the transition.
• Support for the Severely Injured: Introduce a new Additional Disablement Amount (ADA) similar to the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) under the current Veterans’ Entitlements Act (VEA). This payment aims to help older veterans facing severe challenges due to their service.
• Easier Access to Treatment: Harmonising treatment programs and travel entitlements under the MRCA, removing complicated rules and making it easier for veterans to get the care they need.
• A Dedicated Watchdog: Establish a new Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission (DVSC) headed by a Commissioner. This independent body will investigate systemic issues affecting veterans, including suicide, and advise the government on how to improve support systems.

The Opposition’s Concerns:

While generally supportive of simplifying the system, the Opposition has raised some concerns, proposing amendments to ensure:

• Fairness for All: They want to scrutinize the ‘Statement of Principles’ used to assess claims, ensuring it’s fair and provides timely support to all veterans.
• No Stone Unturned: They call for a review of the Repatriation Medical Authority’s functions and whether more needs to be done to help veterans with unique situations.

The Greens’ Push for More:

The Greens, in their signature style, are pushing for greater inclusivity and support for veterans, proposing amendments that:

• Recognize National Service: Specifically include service under the National Service Act 1951 as eligible for support, recognizing the contributions of these veterans.
• Re-examine Peacekeeping: Call for a review of whether ‘peacekeeping service’ should be classified as ‘warlike service’, potentially expanding eligibility for certain benefits.
• Include South Australian Nuclear Veterans: Extend treatment coverage to South Australian government employees affected by British nuclear testing, recognizing their unique circumstances.

Jacqui Lambie Network’s Focus on Wellbeing:

Senator Lambie and her team are advocating for a more holistic approach to veteran wellbeing, proposing amendments that:

• Protect Veterans’ Rights: The bill must explicitly state that no veteran will be worse off after these changes, ensuring their rights and entitlements are fully protected.
• Easier Navigation: Streamline government processes to make it easier for veterans to access the help they need, reducing red tape and unnecessary hurdles.
• Faster Processing: Speed up claims processing times to help veterans with financial hardship and to improve their overall wellbeing.
• Equity with NDIS: Advocate for veteran support systems to be as comprehensive as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ensuring veterans receive the same level of care.
• Prioritize Medicinal Cannabis: Formalize the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Medicinal Cannabis Framework and consider expanding its use to treat other veteran health conditions.
• Improve Veteran Healthcare: Push for a review of pricing arrangements and system design within veteran healthcare to attract more providers, simplify administration, and ultimately, improve health outcomes for veterans.