The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) contains provisions preventing a veteran, or dependant, from being compensated from more than one source for the same injury, disease or death.
Since the repeal of both the 1930 and 1971 Act, possible entitlements will be determined in accordance with the transitional provisions of the DRCA in relation to claims for which there was, or would have been, liability to pay compensation under those Acts where the entitlement arose before 1 December 1988. Any entitlements which arise on or after 1 December 1988 are determined in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DRCA.
The following table sets out a quick reference guide of the effect of a payment of common law damages. It shows:
whether compensation payments made under DRCA (or predecessors) prior to successful common law damages are recoverable by the Commonwealth, and
whether compensation under DRCA (or predecessors) is payable following successful common law damages.
Act | Type of damages payment | Effect on compensation paid before damages payment | Effect on future entitlement to compensation |
1930 Act | From suing the Commonwealth | Deducted from the damages award | No further compensation payable |
From a Third Party | Recoverable by the Commonwealth | Compensation is suspended until such time as the net amount of damages received by the claimant are recovered, but may resume once this happens. | |
1971 Act | From suing the Commonwealth | Recoverable by the Commonwealth | Compensation is suspended until such time as the net amount of damages received by the claimant are recovered, but may resume once this happens. |
From a Third Party | Recoverable by the Commonwealth | Compensation is suspended until such time as the net amount of damages received by the claimant are recovered, but may resume once this happens. | |
DRCA 1988 Act | From suing the Commonwealth | No recovery | Payable other than permanent impairment and non-economic loss compensation provided under sections 24, 25 and/or 27 |
From a Third Party | Recoverable by the Commonwealth | No further compensation payable |