Veterans' Legislation Reform

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Creating a simpler, easier to use system for the veteran community.

The Government is committed to ensuring that Defence personnel, veterans and their families are well looked after.

As highlighted by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in its Interim Report, and fully supported by the Government, we are simplifying and harmonising the legislation that governs compensation and rehabilitation. This is so veterans and families can more easily get the support they are entitled to.

On 13 February 2025, the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (VETS Act) was passed by Parliament.

The new legislation means that from 1 July 2026, all compensation and rehabilitation claims will be determined under a single Act – the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).

What is the VETS Act and what will it do?

The VETS Act provides greater clarity for veterans and veteran families about their benefits and entitlements.

How will the VETS Act benefit veterans and families?

Adopting an improved MRCA as the single ongoing Act will ensure more consistent compensation outcomes for veterans and families.

Resources

Links to the Bill, Explanatory Memorandum, Senate Committee Report and material to help you understand the changes, including fact sheets and frequently asked questions.

Scenarios

Examples to demonstrate how the changes may impact you

Consultation process

A vital part of ensuring we got this change in legislation right was consulting with the veteran community. This outlines the consultation that was undertaken.

Related pages

The VETS Act – what it is and what it will do

What will change? The VETS Act closes the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA) to new claims from 1

The VETS Act – how it will benefit veterans and families

The single ongoing Act provides greater clarity for veterans and veteran families about their benefits and entitlements. Consolidating the legislation into one Act will ensure more consistent

Veterans' Legislation Reform Scenarios

Please note these scenarios reflect the Exposure Draft legislation released on 28 February 2024, and may not accurately represent the Bill introduced into Parliament on 3 July 2024. The scenarios have

Veterans' Legislation Reform – Resources

This page brings together materials that have been prepared to assist you in understanding the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024.

VETS Act consultation process

How and why DVA consulted on legislation reform

Previous consultation – what you told us

How your feedback on the Pathway in 2023 influenced the draft legislation A vital part of ensuring we get this legislation right, is making sure it meets the needs of the veteran community. Between 16

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