Government must protect veterans

The Coalition is calling on the Albanese Government to develop new laws to regulate the veterans’ advocacy sector following the release of the Senate Committee report, Issues Relating to Advocacy Services for Veterans Accessing Compensation and Income Support.

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the Coalition stood ready to support sensible legislation to protect veterans and their families.

“The report found widespread evidence of unethical and exploitative behaviour within the commercial, fee-for-service advocacy industry and warned the current lack of regulation is leaving vulnerable veterans open to serious financial and personal harm,” Mr Chester said.

“Evidence from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) revealed the number of commercial, fee-for-service providers has rapidly increased in the past 12 months, with some operators now accounting for nearly one-fifth of all claims processed by the department. 

“DVA told the committee it is concerned about unethical business models, excessive commissions, deceptive advertising and the offshore handling of sensitive veteran data. While the department has made some internal changes to address the issue, it is now up to the Government to finally act.”

 

“The report also warned that the Institute of Veterans Advocacy, currently under development, will not be effective without stable government funding and legislative powers to register and discipline advocates,” Mr Chester said.

“Importantly, the Committee also urged the Government to implement Recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which called for the establishment of a professional, paid veterans’ advocacy workforce to replace the current ad hoc and volunteer-based model. 

“Despite agreeing to the recommendation ‘in principle’ almost a year ago, the Government has failed to deliver any concrete plan or funding to make it a reality.

“The Albanese Government’s failure to respond to this issue promptly shows a worrying disregard for veterans’ welfare.

“This report exposes shocking gaps in regulation that have allowed some commercial operators to profit from veterans’ pain. The Government has been warned about these practices for over a year by DVA, by the Royal Commission, and now by a Senate inquiry, but it continues to drag its feet.

“Every day that passes without reform leaves veterans vulnerable to exploitation, misinformation and financial stress. The Government must work with the Coalition to bring forward legislation without delay to protect those who have served.”

“Veterans should never be forced to pay a commission on their compensation or see their private medical data handled offshore. There is no reason the Government couldn’t introduce legislation in the final sitting week of the year to put these rogue actors on notice.”

“The Government must also deliver on Recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission and provide the funding needed to build a professional, paid advocacy workforce alongside the volunteer ESO network. Veterans deserve choice, whether that’s free advocacy through ex-service organisations or access to qualified, ethical paid advocates who are properly regulated and supported.”