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Productivity Commission Report – Interim Response

Productivity Commission Report - Interim Response

 

The Interim Response to the Productivity Commission Report, A Better Way to Support Veterans, has been tabled in Parliament.

The Interim Response to the Productivity Commission Report, A Better Way to Support Veterans, has been tabled in Parliament.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the interim response addressed 25 of the report’s 69 recommendations, with a particular focus on mental health, wellbeing, employment support and transition.

Of significant note, there are two recommendations that the Government has rejected.

  • The Government has rejected the recommendation to abolish DVA, and DVA will continue to function as previously.
  • The Government has also rejected the recommendation to change the Veteran Gold Card, and for anyone with this card existing conditions will continue as previous.

According to the Minister, seventeen of the 25 recommendations addressed in the interim response have already been implemented, are underway, or will be delivered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) or Defence using existing resources. The remaining eight include the two Gold Card recommendations that have been rejected, and six recommendations addressed through in the 2020–21 Budget.

You can access the full report below or visit our Veterans’ Information page.

Read: Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Media Release: http://minister.dva.gov.au/media_releases/2020/oct/va114.htm

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