The Government Response

The Government has allocated $17.4 million over four years to implement the package responding to the Review.

The Government's response comprises an additional $39.6 million of expenditure over four years.  The initiative to issue Repatriation Health Cards to SRCA clients, with long term treatment needs, will generate savings for the Government of $22.2 million over four years through more efficient procedures and use of the DVA fee schedules.

The Government has carefully considered the comprehensive report.  It has sought advice from the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and the Repatriation Commission, which examined the recommendations in depth.  The Government also sought feedback on the report and there was considerable discussion at both the departmental and ministerial level with ex-service organisations, other agencies and their Ministers.