One of the most important issues affecting the repatriation system at present is the Review of Service Delivery Arrangements (also known as downsizing) currently taking place within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. We are told that the Review is necessary due mainly to the reduction in the number of claims being lodged, and in the number of veterans and dependants receiving benefits. With only one World War 1 veteran still living, the number of WW2 veterans has reduced significantly in past years.  In the four years to June 2006, Australia lost more than 47,600 WW2 veterans (or 18%) who were receiving benefits and support from DVA in 2002.  Currently there are 110,000 war widows and by 2008 the numbers of war widows will outnumber veterans.

Two years ago we saw a refocus on repatriation benefits with the introduction of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme. The MRCS priority is rehabilitation to the fullest potential physically, psychologically, vocationally and socially. Unfortunately, we now have three separate compensation schemes which are complex and create confusion and anxiety for those in need of repatriation support. In framing the MRCS legislation government has been mindful of the detrimental impact on quality of life that long term dependence on benefits can have on a young person. This is understandable, however overzealous administration in dealing with claims at times impinges the beneficial aspect of the legislation, which is why the Australian Army Aviation Association advocacy is focused on working with veterans, young and old, to assist in the recognition of the impairment or damage military service has caused, and to maximize on repatriation benefits.

 To date 50% of serving defence members have been operationally deployed and those involved in multiple deployments have experienced problems lodging claims with DVA with the need to specify causality/ clinical onset from disabilities/ illnesses suffered during different operational environments. Young veterans are experiencing anxiety because of the bewildering array of paperwork involved in the three compensation schemes. Hopefully at some time in the future DVA will develop a single compensation claim form that covers claims regardless of the legislation that applies. 

Government has acknowledged the extent of mental illness in both the serving and ex service communities and announced a $1.9b to fund a mental health package. In addition to that, mental health within DVA has received an extra $20m in this year’s Budget to strengthen and expand the range on mental health services and education services available to veterans and their families. DVA provides free treatment for post traumatic stress, anxiety and depressive disorders, whether they are service related or not. Government’s prioritized focus on mental health has meant that defence heads have had to acknowledge it’s existence, after ignoring the in service and post service suicide rates throughout the entire history of the armed forces. Hopefully the in service culture that continues to treat those suffering with mental illness as lepers, will eventually be ‘bred out’.

Recently the AMA surveyed 1800 specialists, and found that 41 per cent of them wouldn't continue to treat gold card veteran patients. The main reason being that DVA was not paying a fair and reasonable fee for their skills, resulting in a number of specialists withdrawing their services from treating veterans. The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs advises that a ‘package remedy’ has been put together in consultation with the AMA. Don’t hold your breath as you watch this space.

It was announced in June that the widows and survivors of the tragic 1996 Black Hawk accident will receive a negotiated out-of-court settlement between the lawyers representing victims’ families and survivors, and ITT, the US manufacturer of the night-vision goggles worn by pilots on the night of the accident. The conditions sought by the two parties in the negotiated settlement included a request that the Commonwealth waive any entitlement to the recovery of compensation payments already paid, or yet to be paid, by the Australian Government under statutory compensation schemes and ex- gratia payments. It is now ten years since the tragic event and there are those who still await compensation.

Kev Moss

Honorary Pensions & Welfare Officer

Australian Army Aviation Association Inc..

Changes to the Repatriation System / DVA Review of Existing Services

With the declining numbers of World War 2 Veterans, DVA is examining their existing service delivery and developing broad options and strategies that will enable them to match their resources to an expected decline in their workload over the next 10 years. (Commonly referred to as downsizing)

Why does DVA need to have a Review?

The Repatriation system has entered a period of rapid change. The number of veterans and dependants receiving DVA benefits is reducing, their geographical spread is changing and the surviving population is predominately a frail aged group. The Department has also gained responsibility for managing military rehabilitation and compensation for serving Australian Defence Force members and will be faced with additional challenges in meeting the needs of our newest veterans and serving personnel.

These factors present significant challenges to the Department. We must adjust to accommodate an increasing number of younger clients, many of whom are still in full-time employment, and a small increase in war widow/widower numbers while continuing our services to older veterans whose numbers are reducing, but whose needs are becoming more complex. DVA must also provide a service to the growing number of family members who are contacting DVA on behalf of veterans and war widows/widowers.

Essentially the Department will need to undergo a fundamental business redesign in order to continue to deliver high quality services to the veteran and defence communities over the next 10 years, while also moving to an organisational size that aligns with a smaller client base.

Find out the full story – visit www.dva.gov.au go to ‘latest news’ /click on ‘Service Delivery Review’.

After you have read the above, consider a word of advice from the Fourays Advocate:

“It is strongly recommended that those who have qualifying service and have not yet applied for repatriation benefits under the Veterans’ Antitlement Act 1986, that you consider doing so ASAP. Consider also the importance of the value of the voting power (influence on the politicions) of the large numbers of WW2 veterans over the years. The WW2 vets numbers are declining at a very fast rate. As veterans’ numbers are declining, so is the size of DVA and its importance as a ministerial portfolio”.