Veterans Policy and Advocacy Update 23 September

The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was issued on 9 September and contains seven volumes and 122 recommendations. A significant number of recommendations seek to drive leadership and cultural improvement within the armed services, reduce the factors that impact psychosocial stress during all stages of the military experience from recruitment through overseas postings and transition to civilian life, and promote better access to mental health and wellbeing and healthcare services. OTA was one of more than 6,000 organisations and individuals who made submissions during the course of the Commission. 

OTA welcomes the findings and recommendations especially those that will make it quicker and easier for veterans to access vital health supports, including a recommendation to increase DVA provider fee rates to those of other government schemes like NDIS.

Read OTA’s full statement on the final report here.