Veterans’ Legislation Reform: What It Means for Defence Members and Veterans
In April this year, the Australian Government announced sweeping reforms to veterans’ compensation and rehabilitation legislation – a move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns raised during the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The new legislation, known as the Veterans’ Legislation Reform, will replace the current complex system with a single, simplified Act set to commence on 1 July 2026.
Why This Matters
At present, veterans’ entitlements are governed by three separate Acts:
- Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)
- Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA)
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA)
Navigating these laws is notoriously difficult – even for legal professionals and experienced advocates. The inconsistencies between the Acts have often resulted in confusion, delays, and in some cases, veterans missing out on benefits they are entitled to.
The Royal Commission has been unequivocal: the legislative framework is too complicated and must be overhauled. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has acknowledged this and is now working on delivering a streamlined, equitable system that is easier to understand and administer.
The Human Impact of a Complex System
It’s no secret that Australia’s veterans have faced long delays in receiving compensation and support. As of early 2025, the backlog of claims at DVA stood at more than 41,000, with some veterans waiting over a year for decisions.
Despite government efforts to increase staffing and improve efficiency, many veterans still face lengthy delays – often while dealing with complex physical and psychological injuries. A report from RSL Victoria in late 2023 described the situation as a “crisis,” noting that slow processing times were contributing to distress and worsening mental health among veterans.
Simplifying the legislation won’t fix everything overnight, but it’s a critical step toward faster, fairer outcomes. A single Act should reduce confusion, make it easier for veterans and their families to understand their rights, and ease the administrative burden on caseworkers, potentially speeding up claims in the long term.
What Veterans and ADF Members Should Know
- The new legislation will not commence until 1 July 2026, allowing time for consultation, drafting, and a structured transition.
- The government has committed to protecting existing entitlements, meaning veterans will not lose access to benefits they currently receive.
- A two-year implementation period (2024–2026) is underway, during which time DVA will consult with stakeholders, veteran organisations, and legal experts to ensure the new law meets the needs of those it’s designed to serve.
For current or former members of the ADF, this means the claims process will remain unchanged for now – but it’s important to be aware of the changes ahead.
Our Advice to Veterans and Families
If you are currently navigating the compensation or rehabilitation process, don’t wait until the new legislation comes into effect. The backlog remains significant, and lodging a claim as early as possible gives you the best chance of getting timely support.
For those unsure of where they stand under the existing system or how the new legislation might affect them, legal advice can help you understand your entitlements and ensure you’re not missing out on critical support.
At Tindall Gask Bentley, we have a long history of standing beside defence members, veterans and their families. We welcome reform that brings clarity and fairness – and we’ll continue to monitor the legislative rollout closely to support those it affects most.
If you need advice or assistance with a DVA claim, contact our Military Compensation team for a free initial discussion.
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