Defence Reparation Scheme – the clock is ticking!

If you experienced abuse while serving in the Australian Defence Force and wish to apply for compensation under the Defence Reparation Scheme, you must do so before 30 June 2022!

Compensation is in the form of a one-off payment of up to $50,000.

Act now. Don’t lose your chance.

What is the Defence Reparation Scheme?

The Defence Reparation Scheme was established in 2017, for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who experienced serious abuse by another ADF member prior to 30 June 2014.

This scheme is significant for abuse survivors, giving them a real option to have their abuse recognized, participate in restorative engagement and receive compensation.

Time is running out!

The original cut off date for the Scheme was 30 June 2021, but this was extended to 30 June 2022.  This means that the clock is ticking for any survivors of abuse that have not yet come forward!

If you experienced serious abuse during your service, and would like the opportunity to apply for compensation under the Reparation Scheme, you must take one of the below steps before 30 June 2022:

• Submit a report to the Defence Force Ombudsman (DFO) of the abuse you experienced in the ADF; or
• Provide written notification to the DFO that you intend to submit a report of abuse. You will then have until 30 June 2023 to submit the actual report.

Given this deadline has already been extended once, it is unlikely to be extended again. This means there are only three months left in which to make your report, or provide written notification that you intend to lodge a report.

The latter is significant. By providing written notification that you intend to lodge a report means you will still be eligible to receive compensation, but have another year, until 30 June 2023, to submit your actual report.

What is considered abuse for the purposes of the Reparation Scheme?

If you were a serving member of the ADF and were the subject of ‘serious abuse’ at the hands of another serving member, then you may be eligible to lodge a report with the DFO.

Serious abuse means:

• Sexual abuse
• Serious physical abuse
• Serious bullying or harassment.

What compensation might be payable?

There are two possible payments which the DFO might recommend once they receive your report:

• a payment of up to $45,000 to acknowledge the most serious forms of abuse
• a payment of up to $20,000 to acknowledge other abuse involving unlawful interference accompanied by some element of indecency.

If one of these payments is recommended by the DFO, an additional payment of $5,000 may also be recommended if they are satisfied that Defence did not respond appropriately to the incident of abuse.

This compensation payment is a one-off payment. It is tax free, and doesn’t impact any other entitlements, such as Gold Cards or DVA benefits.

It is important to remember that you cannot receive a reparation payment if you do not submit your report of abuse or intention to report abuse by 30 June 2022.

Reporting abuse is hard. Let us help you.

We understand that the hardest part of making a claim is talking about your abuse. Many abuse survivors have suffered in silence for many years, and find the thought of talking openly about their abuse too difficult.

Some examples of the horrific types of abuse we have been advised of include: being assaulted with various items, being attacked in bathroom facilities, being made to hang from rafters, being humiliated both verbally and physically in front of other members, and more. It is difficult to write down, let alone talk about. But by coming forward, you can finally have your voice heard, have some closure by having your abuse acknowledged, and very importantly – receive a sizable one-off compensation amount that you deserve.

TGB partner Tim White has been a legal officer in the Royal Australian Airforce Reserves for more than 20 years, and specializes in military compensation claims. He has been trusted by many current and past ADF members to assist them to receive compensation for injuries, both physical and psychological – and has helped many abuse survivors receive the compensation they deserve through this Reparation Scheme.

Tim and his expert team can assist you through the claims process, becoming a trusted “middle man” between you and the Scheme, taking the pressure off and advocating on your behalf. Tim is passionate about helping Defence Force men and women. And any discussions are always strictly confidential.

Spread the word!

One of our key concerns is that many veterans and survivors of abuse may not be aware that the Reparation Scheme is coming to a close. There hasn’t been a lot of information circulating in relation to the looming deadline. Therefore, we need your help!  We want to reach as many veterans as we can to make them aware of the upcoming deadline. We know that many men and women suffered abuse during their service, and we want them to know about their rights to compensation before it is too late.

Get in Touch for a confidential chat

The clock is ticking, and we want to help as many veterans as we can before time runs out on 30 June 2022.

For a confidential chat about the Reparation Scheme and how it might help you, please contact TGB partner and military compensation expert Tim White, as a matter of urgency on 1800 730 842 or via twhite@tgb.com.au.

Tim and his team confidentially and expertly advise Defence Force members and veterans across Australia on their entitlement to compensation under the Reparation Scheme.

Act now, before time runs out and the opportunity to receive compensation is gone forever.