Veterans’ entitlements, treatment and support (simplification and harmonisation) bill 2024

Abstract: This Bill will simplify and harmonise the existing tri-Act framework of legislation governing veterans’ entitlements, rehabilitation and compensation arrangements that has long been in place. The legislation governing veterans’ entitlements, rehabilitation and compensation is widely acknowledged as being complex and difficult to navigate and calls to simplify these arrangements are longstanding. The Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024 (Simplification Bill) will provide for all claims for compensation and rehabilitation received from 1 July 2026 to be determined under the MRCA. To support this ‘single ongoing Act’ model, the VEA and the DRCA will continue in a limited form and be closed to new claims for compensation and rehabilitation. The MRCA will operate as the single ongoing Act going forward and provide coverage for all future claims for compensation, irrespective of when and where the veteran served, or when their injury or illness occurred. This single Act will provide greater clarity and consistency around entitlements for veterans and their families.

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