The Federal Government Budget has promised an additional $328.1 million to support the more than 340,000 veterans and dependants accessing services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
The 2023-24 Federal Budget pledged significant investments to further reduce the veteran compensation claims backlog, including:
- $64.1 million in 2023-24 to retain more than 480 DVA staff who are working to deliver frontline services to veterans and families;
- $254.1 million over four years to modernise and sustain ageing IT systems, and ensure more timely payments and access to services for veterans and families through DVA.Â
The Government is also expanding eligibility for the Acute Support Package (ASP) introduced in the October 2022 Budget to include grandcarers – grandparents who are full-time carers of children of veterans.
The expansion acknowledges the different challenges experienced by families and provides services such as childcare, counselling, household assistance, education support and financial aid for veteran families in crisis.
The Government is also funding critical support capabilities and programs including $2 million to continue important mental health awareness and suicide intervention training for volunteers supporting veterans.
Minister Matt Keogh said the measures announced in the Budget are in addition to important reform work that is currently underway.
“We are investing to improve access to support services now, while developing a pathway to simplify and harmonise the complex, century old, veteran compensation system into the future,” he said.
“Australia’s Defence Force personnel and veterans make a solemn commitment to serve and defend our nation. Their families also make significant sacrifices to support them. It is our duty to repay this in kind by providing effective transition, health and wellbeing support.”
