13.1.2 Legislation

13.1.2 Legislation

The VCES was established under Part VII of the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and was prepared in accordance with section 117 of the VEA by the Repatriation Commission and approved by the Minister. The VCES was formerly known as the Soldier’s Children Education Scheme.

The Veterans’ Children Education Scheme Instrument came into effect as Instrument 1992 No.　11 and established the VCES.

The creation of VEA Instrument No.29/2000, made under Section 118(2) of the VEA, means that a prescribed child under section 4 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) is also eligible to access guidance and counselling services only, provided under Part 4 of the VCES.

The MRCAETS is modelled on the VCES. The MRCAETS was established under Division VI of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) and was prepared in accordance with section 258 of the Act by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) and approved by the Minister.

The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme Instrument came into effect as Instrument 2004 No. M4 and established the MRCAETS.

Relevant sections of legislation:

• Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) Sections 116, 117 & 118 - Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES)
• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) Sections 258 & 259 Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS)
• Veterans' Entitlements (Veterans' Children Education Scheme - Guidance and Counselling Services) Determination 2000 (VEA29/2000)
• Veterans’ Entitlements (Veterans’ Children Education Scheme – Scholarships) Instrument 2015
• Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (Scholarships) Instrument 2015