The Defence Force Welfare Association frequently offers solutions, recommendations, and comment to policy and decision making forums.
You can read our submissions here
In August 2022 the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide released its Interim Report recommending the consolidation of veterans’ legislation. On 16 February 2023, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs announced the commencement of consultation on the legislation pathway that has been developed by Government.
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.
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.