Terms of Reference

The following are the Terms of Reference under which the Review Committee operated:

"The Government is committed to providing fair, consistent and appropriate benefits to Australia's veterans.

Against this background, the committee will review and make recommendations on:

1. the current policy relating to eligibility for access to VEA benefits and Qualifying Service under the VEA; and
   
2. the benefits available to disability compensation pensioners under the VEA.

The review will:

Access to VEA benefits and Qualifying Service

• Consider the historical context and current interpretation of the provisions for Qualifying Service having regard to relevant Parliamentary statements and the position reached by the Courts;

• Consider perceived anomalies with eligibility for access to VEA benefits and Qualifying Service that might be raised by some World War II veterans, veterans of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces in Japan, Australian participants in British Atomic testing in Australia, Australian service personnel engaged in counter terrorist and special recovery training and other interested parties; and

• Recommend possible changes to address any anomalies and to facilitate the equitable and efficient administration of the VEA.

Special Rate and other Rates of Disability Pensions

• Document and examine past and current disability compensation pension and related benefits available to veterans under the VEA;

• Consider submissions made by interested parties as to the structure and appropriateness of those pensions and benefits;

• Consider the extent to which the medical, social and vocational rehabilitation needs of compensation pensioners are being adequately met; and

• Make recommendations on possible improvements in benefits and support programs to address any identified deficiencies, including the potential to restructure benefits and programs in order to assist the funding of desired reforms.

Conduct of Review

In examining issues and developing options, the committee should plan to seek submissions from and meet with veteran organisations and other interested parties at the appropriate time.

In its deliberations the committee will need to bear in mind the commitment of the Government to responsible economic management.

The committee will report to the Minister no later than mid-November 2002. The Government would expect to examine options identified by the committee with a view to considering any appropriate changes for the year 2003/04.

Administrative Arrangements
The review and associated costs will be met by the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Defence, including office accommodation and travel expenses.

The Departments of Veterans' Affairs and Defence will provide secretariat and administrative support, including the preparation of documents and assisting the committee by giving advice and briefings on specific matters. "