Main Initiatives

The major elements of the Government's response are:

• changing the methodology used to calculate permanent impairment compensation across multiple Acts – the Government has accepted the outcome of a further review by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission that concluded that the alternative methodology proposed in the report should be adopted.  This will include revisiting all calculations involving this methodology made since 1 July 2004 (cost of $33.7m
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• streamlining access to treatment – Repatriation Health Cards - for specific conditions (white cards) will be issued to beneficiaries under the SRCA with long?term treatment needs.  Use of the cards will attract the DVA fee schedules and card holders will be paid a supplement (formerly known as the pharmaceutical allowance) (saving of $22.2m — 1);
• increasing the amount of compensation that may be paid for financial advice in relation to certain choices under the MRCA, and extension of the compensation to also cover legal advice utilized in making those choices (cost of $0.24m — 1);
• improving other benefits for families of current and former ADF members:
  • increased flexibility for future wholly dependent partners in the way they receive compensation following the death of an ADF member or former member by allowing them to convert part of their periodic compensation to a lump sum, rather than the existing choice between an ongoing periodic payment or converting the whole amount to an age-based lump sum (cost of $0.58m — 1); and
  • a one-off increase to the rate of pension payable to eligible dependent children following the death of an ADF member or former member, to realign it with a similar payment made under the SRCA (cost of $0.66m — 1);
• improving benefits for current and former members of the ADF, including payment of compensation based on stabilisation of each condition, providing earlier compensation for those with multiple conditions (cost of $0.68m — 1); and
• simplifying access to rehabilitation and compensation benefits for current and former members of the ADF, including:
  • reviewing rehabilitation arrangements to ensure that the health and well?being of ADF injured members and former members of the ADF is maximised; and
  • improving education, training and information for current and former members of the ADF and their representatives.

The Government has also accepted in principle two recommendations for improving reconsideration and review of decisions.  This will introduce a single appeal pathway to replace the current dual, alternative pathways.  Further work is required to determine the detail of the changes and the financial and resource implications for DVA and the Veterans' Review Board.  These recommendations will be considered in the 2014?2015 Budget.  In this same timeframe, ex-service organisations and legal professionals will be consulted to assist with the development of an advocacy model designed to provide better assistance for those with MRCA, SRCA or multi-Act claims.