Deadline looms for Defence Force member military compensation claims for abuse

Victims of alleged abuse in the Australian Defence Force have just one month to lodge their complaint or risk missing out on compensation of up to $50,000.

The time limit of notification of alleged abuse prior to 11 April, 2011 expires on 31 May, 2013 and Tindall Gask Bentley Managing Partner Morry Bailes said it would be devastating for victims if they missed out on entitlements.

“It has been a long time coming for the Australian Government to acknowledge abuse in the ADF and to set up the Defence Abuse Reparation Scheme, so it would be very unfortunate for those affected if they were to miss the deadline and miss out on compensation,” Mr Bailes said.

“Former military personnel have told us of many traumatic experiences from their time in the ADF that still impact their lives today, sometimes many years after leaving the Force, and it is important that these people receive the compensation they deserve.

“We therefore urge victims of alleged abuse in the ADF to contact the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce as soon as possible and get in touch with us for advice.”

Tindall Gask Bentley has been contacted by a number of Australian Defence Force members expressing their interest in compensation claims since the DLA Piper Review findings were revealed in 2012.

Tindall Gask Bentley is the largest plaintiff law firm in South Australia, and assists military personnel and veterans from across the country with compensation claims.

For advice about your compensation claim, contact lawyer Brianna Tapscott on (08) 8212 1077 or register online here.