Media Room

Some Veterans medically discharged from the ADF and receiving Invalidity Benefits from their military superannuation had some good news today, when Justice Logan handed down his decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Brisbane.

The Defence Force Welfare Association welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcements to establish a National Independent Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention, and a Families Advocate within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) has become concerned at the recent increase in ill-considered and oft-times inaccurate criticism of DVA by some in the media and on social media platforms.

The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) welcomes the Labor Opposition’s commitment announced today in a joint Media Alert of wide-ranging support to both the nation’s current serving ADF members and to those who once served, importantly, including their families.

Veterans medically discharged, including all those with mental health wounds and at risk of self-harm, can receive an Invalidity Benefit from their superannuation scheme. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) taxes these variable payments as ordinary income rather than at the lower rates that can be applied to superannuation fund disability benefits.

The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) welcomes the Government’s announcement yesterday that it would finally commission an independent inquiry into the commutation arrangements of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation scheme.

The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA), together with its partners in the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO), have now had the opportunity to more closely examine the Productivity Commission’s draft report into compensation and rehabilitation for veterans.

The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) welcomes both the release today of the Productivity Commission’s draft report into compensation and rehabilitation for veterans, and the Veterans’ Affairs Minister’s statement that none of the Commission’s recommendations had been accepted or rejected.

The Senate has agreed a Motion that the Hayne Royal Commission be extended to include the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.

The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) wishes to express deep disappointment to learn that once again the largest support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force, namely the Returned and Services League, Australia (RSL National), has been thrown into leadership uncertainty.