Better Access to Information for ADF and Veterans
Further changes have been made to improve information access from the Department of Defence and DVA for members of the ADF, veterans and their families.
The Federal Government announced on Tuesday, 4 April that it has implemented a further five recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s interim report, including:
- The establishment of Information Access Units within the Department of Defence and DVA;
- Additional education material on the information access process;
- How and why redactions occur; and
- Updates to both Departments’ websites.
The new Information Access Units will serve as a single point of contact for information requests, providing dedicated support to applicants if needed.
Follow these links to find out more about accessing information held by Defence or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP said “The Royal Commission’s Interim Report was clear, as was the veteran and family community, that the information access process wasn’t fit for purpose. The Government has been working to address this as quickly as possible.”
Other Royal Commission recommendations that have been implemented include 500 new frontline DVA staff to eliminate backlog of claims and ongoing public consultation to reform veterans’ entitlement legislation.
Further Background Information:
The Government’s full response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’s interim report can be found here.
