Imperative that Veterans’ Legislation is Passed before Parliament Rises for Election

MEDIA RELEASE

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has called on the national parliament to put veterans and their families before politics by passing veterans’ entitlement legislation before the current session concludes for the Federal Election. 

The Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024, brings three existing legislative provisions into a single Act and is designed to make it simpler for veterans and their families to access services and support. The Bill was not passed prior to the Christmas break and is currently before the Senate. 

RSL Australia National President Greg Melick says it is imperative the legislation remains at the forefront of the Senate’s business, and is passed as a matter of priority to becomes law before the parliament rises for the election. 

Greg Melick said with the election due within months, there was speculation that the current two-week sitting would be the final session of the current parliament. 

“The veteran community has long been waiting for these changes, and they must not be delayed any longer. 

“We call on the government to bring on the Bill and the Senate to pass the measures as an urgent priority.” 

Greg Melick said the RSL acknowledged the Government’s actions taken to date to improve the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families including increased funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and movement on legislative changes. 

“To this end, the passage of the legislation would fulfil another of the Government’s commitments to veterans.” 

The Bill includes grandfathering of existing entitlements to ensure that current DVA clients will not lose existing payments. It has been developed in consultation with the veteran community to make it simpler for veterans and their families to access the medical, financial and wellbeing care they may need once they transition from service. It is intended for the Bill to apply from 1 July 2026. 

“Veterans and their families make a strong social and economic contribution to our nation both during and after military service, This Bill will make it simpler for them to access the supports they may need to reach their full potential post service and that benefits every Australian.  

“The veteran community has long asked for these changes and had hoped to see the Bill pass at the end of 2024. These vital changes must not be delayed any longer. 

“As Parliament returns for the first sitting week of the year, the RSL is asking every Senator and Member of Parliament to prioritise action to pass this legislation now,” Greg Melick said.