WHAT IS RSL AUSTRALIA ADVOCATING FOR IN 2024?

The RSL is one of the most respected voices representing veterans, directly influencing the Federal Government. We advocate on serious and important issues to serving and former-serving ADF members and their families.??

Our 2024 policy priorities continue to focus on the areas the RSL has been lobbying for in 2023.

2024 POLICY PRIORITIES?

The coming 12 months will see the RSL work to build on its past efforts, including advocating for:

• Implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (report due in September), including supporting the establishment of a permanent, independent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Wellbeing?

• Supporting the establishment of a National Peak Body for the veteran support sector?

• Improving the provision of claims and wellbeing advocacy for veterans, including reform of the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) and Government support for advocates?

• Increased processing capacity for DVA claims and enhancement of interactions with healthcare providers, including a review of fee schedules?

• Improved access to healthcare for veterans and their families?

• Research on veterans’ homelessness?

• Implementation of the Government’s proposed legislative reform program??

• Additional support for the families of veterans.

RSL Australia has submitted a pre-budget submission to the Federal Government for consideration in the planning of the 2024-25 Budget to strengthen the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. ?Particularly, the RSL will step up its effort to have the Federal Government review the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) fee schedule for veteran healthcare and to significantly increase payments.

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A RECAP OF OUR 2023 POLICY PRIORITIES?

• Establishment of an implementation body to guide the delivery of recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Royal Commission recently consulted on the creation of a new entity to be established following the tabling of its Final Report in September, which will aim to monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission. The RSL, with the support of over 30 other Ex-Service Organisations, submitted recommendations for forming an ESO Peak Body. The RSL will continue to engage on this topic in 2024.

• The simplification and harmonisation of three current legislative Acts for a cohesive approach to veterans’ entitlements – the end goal being a reduction in the time taken to make and process DVA claims.? In 2023 the Government committed to harmonising veterans' entitlement legislation, with consultation ongoing. This will remain a priority for the RSL in 2024 to see it through to implementation. ?
• An extension of non-liability healthcare for ADF reservists on completion of the enlistment process.? The RSL will advocate for this extension to be considered in the 2024-25 Federal Budget.?

• A review and adjustment of DVA’s fee schedule to better align it to the actual cost of healthcare.? The RSL called on the Federal Government to make a commitment to review and uplift the DVA fee schedule in the 2023-24 Pre-Budget Submission. This remains a focus for the RSL in 2024, and we will advocate for the review and uplift in the 2024-25 Federal Budget cycle.?

• The harmonisation of funeral benefits The harmonisation of funeral benefits will be covered under the veterans’ entitlements legislation reform being undertaken by the Federal Government.?

• Further investment into the Advocacy Training and Development Program (ATDP) for volunteer and paid advocates - to ensure veterans are well supported through the claims process. ? The RSL is committed to working with DVA, other ESOs, and advocates to achieve the necessary reform.?

• A tangible reduction in the administrative burden placed on healthcare providers in accessing DVA remuneration.? While DVA has made some initial improvements for healthcare providers,?more work is required. This remains a focus for 2024.? ?

The RSL will continue to monitor, identify and review relevant legislation and policy affecting veterans and their families. We will defend the rights and benefits of those who have served our nation.

2024 promises to be a year of change.???