Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List

VA060 Wednesday, 15 July 2009

NEXT STEP FOR REVIEW OF MILITARY COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced that the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements’ steering committee has been appointed, and met yesterday to commence its consideration of almost 50 submissions from the service and ex-service communities.

“The appointment of this steering committee is the next step toward delivering the Government’s election commitment to review the current military rehabilitation and compensation arrangements,” Mr Griffin said.

“The steering committee members combine an extensive knowledge of veterans’ entitlements, rehabilitation, safety and compensation law and policy.”

The review’s steering committee is chaired by Ian Campbell, Chair of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. Its members are: Major General Craig Orme, Department of Defence; Ms Peta Furnell, The Treasury; Ms Joan Ross, Department of Finance and Deregulation; Ms Michelle Baxter, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; and Peter Sutherland, an independent expert in military rehabilitation and compensation law and a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University College of Law.

“We need to ensure that the experiences of those who have been through the military rehabilitation and compensation system are considered as part of the Review, and I am grateful to those organisations and individuals who have made submissions,” Mr Griffin said.

The next stage of investigations and consultations will include visits to Defence Force facilities and consultations with current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, ex-service organisations, key agencies and other stakeholders. The Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Ex-service matters and the Ex-Service Roundtable will also be consulted for their views during the Review process.

“The Review is critical in identifying solutions for wider concerns relating to military rehabilitation and compensation. It is a significant step by the Government towards addressing concerns with military rehabilitation and compensation legislation and the administration of the schemes.”

The Review is examining the adequacy and suitability of military rehabilitation and compensation arrangements including perceived disparities and inequities between legislative schemes. Its terms of reference and further information about committee members can be found on the review web page from links at www.dva.gov.au. The Review is expected to report to Government in the first half of 2010, subject to the complexity of the matters raised.

Media inquiries: Belinda Cole 0437 863 109

The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 046.

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