In-Focus

There are many issues which affect parts of our community that the Defence Force Welfare Association wants to focus in on.

Read more about important issues affecting your mates.

Main Effort

ADF Cover Invalidity Benefit Taxation

ADF Cover Invalidity Benefits should be taxed the same way and MSBS and DFRDB Invalidity Benefits. It’s only fair.

Veterans’ MATES Program Privacy Breach

The Veterans’ MATES program is the Veteran’s Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services program. It is a DVA program delivered by the University of South Australia (UniSA) with the stated aim of improving the use of medicines and related health services in the veteran community. DVA health data has been shared…

Workplace Remuneration Arrangement 2023-26

The Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) is the framework through which annual salary and salary-related allowance adjustments are provided for ADF members, and forms part of the total remuneration package. DFWA is an authorised intervener at the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal. We will be seeking feedback from Defence Members for presentation to the…

Veterans' Superannuation Invalidity Benefit Taxation

Veteran Invalidity Benefit Taxation

Invalidity benefits paid through Defence Force superannuation schemes are generally taxed at a higher rate than invalidity benefits paid through civilian superannuation insurance schemes.

Census 2021 – Service with the Australian Defence Force

The 2021 Census was the first to ask questions relating to service in the Australian Defence Force. The question asked whether the respondent is currently serving, or has previously served in the Defence Force, and the type or types of service.

Federal Election 2022

On 10 April 2022, The Prime Minister announced that the 2022 federal election would be held on Saturday 21 May 2022. On 21 April 2022, nominations for candidacy closed. In this election, there are: 1,203 candidates for the House of Representatives421 candidates for the Senate38 registered political parties (not including state…

Interim Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention

Interim National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention

In February 2020, the Prime Minister announced the creation of a new National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention. The proposed National Commissioner recognised that too many Defence members and veterans take their own lives, and that action is needed to ensure that everything possible is done to prevent these…

Productivity Commission Report – A Better Way to Support Veterans

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…

Budget 2020-21: Outcomes for Veterans and their Families

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 their…

Workplace Remuneration Arrangement 2020-2023

Defence will start development of a new arrangement during 2020, with a view to having it in place by the time the current WRA expires.