DVA and Services Australia Announce Standardised Service Offer
The Department of Veterans Affairs has advised that it has been working with Services Australia to provide services and support to veterans and their families via a Standardised Service Offer that delivers a more equitable and connected face-to-face experience.
With effect from 1 July 2021, veterans and their families will be able to access DVA services at 318 Services Australia service centres across Australia. Veterans and their families who attend a Services Australia service centre can seek assistance for a series of DVA services, such as:
- Printing and lodgement of DVA forms and supporting documents;
- Fielding general enquiries;
- Connection with DVA subject matter experts and support services such as Open Arms; and
- Supporting veterans and their families in accessing online services in these service centres.
All Services Australia staff in the 318 service centres will undertake mandatory training to ensure veterans and their families are well supported.
The expanded service offering will not impact the services and support currently provided though DVA’s Veterans Access Network. Existing services provided through Veteran Information Service sites and existing co-located offices will continue as normal.
Another important part of the service expansion is that the 318 service centres will also commemorate the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families by actively recognising and promoting significant national events such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
These changes will enable easier access to services, in particular for those living in rural and regional areas, and are an important expansion of the DVA footprint to reach the veteran community.
Veterans and their families will be able to walk into any Services Australia shopfront and receive assistance. The list of service centre locations and other information will be available on DVA’s internet site from 1 July 2021.
Visit https://raafa.org.au/veterans/#veterans-entitlements for more news and information for Veterans.