A NEW VETERAN SUPPORT SYSTEM FROM 1 JULY
From today the most significant reform to Australia’s veteran support system in generations will come into play, following unprecedented levels of investment in veterans and families of veterans from the Albanese Government. This investment is supporting record claims outcomes, expanded access to treatment and rehabilitation, and stronger wellbeing support, as demand for support continues to grow. In the 2025-26 financial year some $15 billion of payments and services were delivered to veterans and families, some $5 billion more than during the last year of the Morrison Government. Today veterans and families of veterans will receive better support as the virtual doors of the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency open for the first time. This Agency will strengthen how veterans are connected to wellbeing supports and improve how individuals can navigate the vast veteran support ecosystem. The Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency will focus on prevention, early intervention and transition from military to civilian life, complementing existing clinical and compensation services and helping veterans and families find the right support at the right time. Meanwhile, for veterans looking to submit a claim with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, from today, all new compensation and rehabilitation claims will be made under a single system – the enhanced Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, as two of the three current legislative systems that govern the claims system close to new claims. This marks the delivery of long-anticipated reform that’s been developed in consultation with the veteran community. The complexity of the veteran claims system to date has contributed to inconsistency, delay and stress. This simpler single system going forward will be clearer and more consistent. It will treat all veterans equally and support faster claims processing over time. These reforms are complemented by significant Government investment in treatment to support the health and wellbeing of veterans. From 1 July, the Government is investing $58.3 million over three years and $21 million per year ongoing to incentivise General Practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists to deliver veteran-specific mental health care planning — supporting more proactive, ongoing and connected care. The Government is also investing $739.2 million to strengthen and prioritise access to recovery focused treatment and rehabilitation while veterans’ claims are being assessed – to reduce the impact of injury and support improved lifetime wellbeing. These initiatives continue to deliver on the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, more than $2 billion has gone towards delivering on the Government’s response so far. Together, these reforms mark a significant step toward a simpler, more responsive veteran support system focused on lifelong wellbeing.
