Recommendations

Recommendation 1

3.97    The committee recommends, that in the context of recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare findings concerning veterans at risk of suicide, the Australian Government:

Recommendation 2

3.99    The committee recommends that the Australian Government commission an independent study into the mental health impacts of compensation claim assessment processes on veterans engaging with the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation. The results of this research should be utilised to improve compensation claim processes.

Recommendation 3

3.102    The committee recommends that the Australian Government establish a National Veteran Suicide Register to be maintained by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Recommendation 4

3.104    The committee recommends that the Australian Government review the enhancement of veteran-specific online training programs intended for mental health professionals. In particular:

Recommendation 5

3.106    The committee recommends that Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs align arrangements for the provision of professional mental health care.

Recommendation 6

4.85    The committee recommends that the Australian Government make a reference to the Productivity Commission to simplify the legislative framework of compensation and rehabilitation for service members and veterans. In particular, this review should examine the utilisation of Statements of Principle in the determination of compensation claims. The report of this systemic review should be completed within 18 months and tabled in the Parliament.

Recommendation 7

5.99    The committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to support the 'Veteran Centric Reform' program within the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Recommendation 8

5.101    The committee recommends that, while the Veteran Centric Reform program is being implemented, the Australian Government continue to fund measures to:

Recommendation 9

5.103    The committee recommends that the Department of Veterans' Affairs conduct a review of its training program to ensure relevant staff:

Recommendation 10

5.105    The committee recommends that the Department of Veterans' Affairs review its use of medico-legal firms in relation to the assessment of the conditions of veterans. In particular, this review should confirm:

Recommendation 11

5.107    The committee recommends the Department of Veterans' Affairs expand its online engagement with younger veterans through social media to raise awareness regarding available support services.

Recommendation 12

5.113    The committee recommends that the reference to the Productivity Commission should also include examination of the following areas in the Veterans' Affairs portfolio:

Recommendation 13

5.115    The committee recommends that the Australian National Audit Office commence the proposed performance audit of the 'Efficiency of veterans' service delivery by the Department of Veterans' Affairs' as soon as possible.

Recommendation 14

6.95    The committee recommends that Transition Taskforce examine and address:

Recommendation 15

6.99    The committee recommends that the Department of Veterans' Affairs develop a two-track transition program for serving members leaving the ADF. Those identified as being in 'at risk' groups or requiring additional assistance due to their circumstances should be able to access intensive transition services. These intensive transition services should include additional support:

Recommendation 16

6.102    The committee recommends the Australian Government issue all ADF members transitioning into civilian life with a DVA White Card.

Recommendation 17

6.104    The committee recommends that the Career Transition Assistance Scheme include an option for veterans to undertake a period of work experience with an outside employer.

Recommendation 18

6.106    The committee recommends that the Australian Public Service Commission conduct a review into mechanisms to further support veteran employment in the Australian Public Service and the public sector.

Recommendation 19

6.109    The committee recommends that the Department of Veterans' Affairs review the support for partners of veterans to identify further avenues for assistance. This review should include services such as information and advice, counselling, peer support and options for family respite care to support partners of veterans.

Recommendation 20

7.73    The committee recommends:

Recommendation 21

7.75    The committee recommends the Australian Government fund a trial program that would provide assistance animals for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from their military service in order to gather research to support the eventual funding of animals for veterans with PTSD and/or other mental health conditions through the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Recommendation 22

7.79    The committee recommends that the Australian Government provide funding to support the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service:

Recommendation 23

7.84    The committee recommends that the Australian Government establish a Bureau of Veterans' Advocates to represent veterans, commission legal representation where required, train advocates for veterans and be responsible for advocate insurance issues.

Recommendation 24

7.87    The committee recommends that the Australian Government establish an independent review of the representation of veterans before the Veterans' Review Board. This review should assess whether the rights of vulnerable veterans are being adequately protected and whether further support mechanisms for veterans appearing before the Veterans' Review Board are required.

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