Veterans’ entitlements harmonisation act passed by parliament

The much-anticipated Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act was passed by the federal government today.

The ‘VETS Act’ will bring the three current systems governing veterans’ entitlements under the single and improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

New claims made after 1 July 2026 will all come under the improved MRCA, while some current payment recipients, such as the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) incapacity payment recipients, will transfer to MRCA incapacity payments on commencement, resulting in an increase in payments.

Veterans currently under the DRCA will also have access to appeal DVA decisions to the Veteran Review Board for the first time from early April 2025.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said the reform would make it easier for veterans and families to understand their entitlements, simpler for advocates to support veterans making DVA claims, and it would streamline claims processing within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“This all means veterans and families will be able to access the benefits and supports that they need and deserve, faster,” Mr Keogh said.

“When the changes come into effect on 1 July 2026, no veteran will see a reduction in their current payments.

“This legislation will open up a pathway to a Gold Card for many veterans who were previously not eligible.”

Minister Keogh said that parliament had today passed the most significant legislative reform of Australia’s veteran support system in a century.

“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s interim report recommended the urgent simplification and harmonisation of the veteran compensation and rehabilitation system.

“Its final report recommended the establishment of a new statutory entity to provide independent oversight of system reform – now known as the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission.

“The Albanese Government promised to act, and we have.

“The Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024 – the VETS Act – will bring the three current systems governing veterans’ entitlements under a single Act – an improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

“We have consulted extensively over the past two years with veterans, families, advocates and a wide range of ex-service organisations on this legislation to make sure we got these reforms right.

“To further ensure the VETS Act and future reform provide the best wellbeing outcomes for veterans and families, the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission has now been enshrined into legislation.

“This commission will improve suicide-prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australia Defence Force members through the provision of independent, evidence-based advice on system reform to the Australian government.”

Minister Keogh thanked everyone who played a role in this historic reform, which he said would benefit veterans and families for generations to come.

The RSL welcomed and praised the passing of the legislation, however expressed reservation about a significant late amendment added by the government.

RSL National President Greg Melick said he noted the government’s amendment to establish the new Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission (DVSC) to oversee system reform across the whole Defence ecosystem.

“This late amendment, to establish the DVSC within the Defence portfolio rather than as an independent entity, was brought forward by the government without proper consultation,” Mr Melick said.

“Importantly, [this] has not been informed by the veteran community. 

“While the RSL did not oppose this amendment in order to avoid further delay in the passage of the Bill, we advocate that it is critical for the government to work with the veteran community to ensure that the voices of veterans and their families inform the structure, operations and powers of the DVSC.

“As such the RSL calls on the government to promptly establish an open and transparent public consultation process without delay and to remain open to further amendments to ensure the DVSC has the necessary independence.”

Mr Melick said the RSL and veterans now looked forward to the government building on its positive initial response to the Royal Commission to fully and sustainably fund and implement the recommendations contained in its final report.

“The forthcoming budget provides the opportunity to achieve this.”

For more information on the new legislation, visit the DVA website, here.

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