An Independent Voice
The Defence Force Welfare Association is an independent voice for Australian Defence Force members, veterans, and their families.
We advocate to government on matters affecting the welfare of this group of Australians, including:
The Defence Force Welfare Association is funded by branch membership fees and donations.
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Our Current Focus
In March 2018, the Prime Minister announced that the Productivity Commission was to inquire into whether the system of compensation and rehabilitation for veterans (Serving and Ex-serving Australian Defence Force members) is fit for purpose, now and into the future. The Report The report of the inquiry – A Better Way…
On 6th October 2020, the Treasurer handed down the 2020-21 Federal Budget that reflects the extraordinary year in Australian history. Through unprecedented spending, the budget aims to fight off the coronavirus recession and address the economic and health challenges emerging from the pandemic. Here are the biggest measures affecting veterans and…
Invalidity benefits paid through Defence Force superannuation schemes are generally taxed at a higher rate than invalidity benefits paid through civilian superannuation insurance schemes.
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Latest Updates
Submission: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Terms of Reference Public Consultation
The Commonwealth Attorney-General called for public submissions to inform the Terms of Reference of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. DFWA made a submission as part of the public consultation process.
CSC briefed the DFWA National Executive meeting via teleconference on the 17th of May, regarding the administration of post-September 2007 DFRDB and Military Super invalidity benefits, following the Federal Court decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Douglas.
The Senate Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade are conducting an inquiry into the accuracy of information provided to Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) members. DFWA made a submission to the review. View or download the submission, below.
ATO have provided more detail on the streamlined process to amend past tax assessments for those affected by the DFRDB and MSBS invalidity benefits taxation cases.