BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
The Australian Government is committed to reform to better protect veterans from exploitation within the commercial veterans’ advocacy sector.
As a first step, veterans, veteran advocates and the broader community are invited to have their say on how to best regulate the veterans’ advocacy sector.
Recently the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has seen a dramatic increase in some commercial advocates engaging in unscrupulous behaviours that prioritise profits over the health and wellbeing of veterans and families of veterans.
We recognise it’s important that we don’t over-regulate a largely volunteer service. The principle of ‘mates supporting mates’ will remain at the heart of veterans’ advocacy.
A public consultation paper is available on the DVA website and submissions are open until 8 May 2026. The purpose of this reform would be to:
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restrict exploitative fee practices by commercial veteran advocacy providers
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ban overseas hosting of veteran information by advocates
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protect veterans from misleading and deceptive conduct, advertising and behaviour
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ensure advocates charging fees are properly trained, insured, and conduct themselves ethically.
We encourage you to have your say and make a submission today. You can lodge a submission on this public consultation paper using the submission portal
Media release courtesy of DVA