A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF AMENDMENT ED101 TO THE NEW VETERANS' LEGISLATION
Ian Lindgren
Executive Chairman - PayMe Group | Chairperson Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association
This assessment provides a comparative analysis of the proposed role of the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commissioner, as set out in Amendment ED101 to the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 (VETS Bill), against the role originally envisioned by the Royal Commission on Defence and Veteran Suicide and many in the veteran community.
We gratefully acknowledge the Families of Veterans Guild for highlighting this recent, and as yet unconsulted, addition to the VETS Bill.
The Royal Commission, and veterans and veteran family community envisioned an “independent of government” and proactive entity dedicated to safeguarding the wellbeing of Defence members and veterans. This entity was to possess a comprehensive mandate for inquiry, reporting, and the making of recommendations.?
The VETS Bill now incorporates an amendment, ED101, which appears to have been posted on the Parliament of Australia Bills and Legislation website on 5 February 2025 (pending confirmation). At first glance, the text of the amendment is meticulously crafted. However, a detailed business process analysis reveals that it restricts the scope of the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commissioner, thereby constraining the intended independent operation, and should be in itself standlone legilsation .
The table below compares the original vision outlined by the Royal Commission in “Proposed New Entity to Promote the Wellbeing of Defence Members and Veterans” with the provisions contained in amendment ED101.
When contrasted with the robust independence measures granted to the Australian Human Rights Commissioner under stand-alone legislation, ED101 appears to offer limited insulation from government influence.
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We call for this amendment to be withdrawn and placed in its own standalone Bill so that it can be subjected to the proper consultation process. This would ensure that the final legislative framework is fit for purpose and minimises the risk of unintended consequences for both the Defence and veteran community.
It is imperative that the Commissioner be able to effectively advocate for and advance the interests of Defence members and veterans without undue external pressures, and engage in comprehensive consultation with veterans and veteran family members.
Amendment ED101 needs to clearly demonstrate that the amendment has been thoroughly scrutinised by both the Lower House and the Senate.
Ian Lindgren
Chairperson
Matt Keogh Andrew Hastie MP Barnaby Joyce Phillip Thompson OAM MP Chris Moss Jess S. Rod Henderson Rod Hutchings Andrew Jenkins Pauline Ryan Renee Wilson Amy Blacker Natalie Merryman Llani "LJ" Kennealy Daniel Hynes Dr Nikki Jamieson Karen Bird Julie-Ann Finney Greg Whitehouse Jacqui Van de Velde Luke Armstrong
Senior Coordinating Chaplain
6 天前Ian your table comparing “Proposed New Entity to Promote the Wellbeing of Defence Members and Veterans” with what the RCDVS recommended is atrocious in being in spirit with what should be delivered. This should not be able to be implemented and does need consultation. It is woeful how things have changed so quickly now that the RCDVS is not holding that spot light
Chairman (Retired) at Paratus Global Consulting
6 天前… where is the Chair and members of the RC? Have they simply moved on without any residual accountability, and where is the outrage from the 101 organisations and veterans who made a submission? The ESO community including its representation on the ESORT appears incapable of taking up the fight to government. In the past 10 years I have seen no change to ESO - government advocacy. Ineffective poorly resourced engagement practices relying in part on jingoistic rhetoric and tired narratives. Watch learn from other peak bodies who achieve outstanding success within relatively short timeframes. Perhaps it’s time to acknowledge the $multi-billion funding appropriation to veteran affairs, maintain a watching brief on key matters and, importantly, transition the veteran community’s engagement to contribute to the nation’s debate on national security and related challenges?
A Veteran helping Veterans
2 周Thanks Ian Lindgren, appreciate you staying on top of this and keeping them honest
Hi Ian, thanks for including me. Whoever assumes the role of Commissioner will certainly need all the support they can get going forward. They do have independence, but they also ultimately have the same Bosses. I think there are still alignments here with the Final Report of the RC, which the Proposed Entity paper informed. You’ve highlighted a key concern being, I think, very rightfully on how all of this translates to action. I can see reporting requirements in the new Legistlation and a review after 12 months, though perhaps that will not be enough time - this remains to be seen too
Executive Chairman - PayMe Group | Chairperson Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association
3 周I understand that the Bill was to go through the Senate on Thursday but now it is being bought forward. If you or your organisation care about the issuse now is the time to actually do something because about an independant commissioner for our community who will not be independent. The key text from a letter we wrote today is below.