Member Opinions & Editorial

On 16 December 2022, the Government announced reform to Australia’s system of administrative review. This reform will abolish the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and establish a new federal administrative review body.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (2022 Measures No. 4) Bill 2022 includes proposed changes to how some veteran superannuation invalidity benefits are taxed, following the Douglas decision. DFWA made a submission to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee regarding the proposed amendments.

On 26 August 2021, the Senate referred the Defence Legislation Amendment (Discipline Reform) Bill 2020 to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 14 October 2021. The Committee invited DFWA to make a written submission regarding the provisions of the bill.

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.

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.

DVA conducted a review of its dental program, in response to concerns about whether or not the program met current clients’ needs, and its capacity to meet future needs. DFWA made a submission to the review. View or download the submission here.

The Association has presented its submission to the Attorney-General Task Force reviewing the bills to establish the National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.

The Association has presented its submission to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal on the 2020 WRA.

A Roayl Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was established on 8 October 2018. DFWA made a submission to the Commission.

The Productivity Commission Inquiry Report – A Better Way to Support Veterans was sent to the Government on 27 June 2019 and publicly released on 04 July 2019. DFWA has reviewed the report and has made comments against each recommendation.