NATIONAL SERVICEMEN WELCOME COMPENSATION CHANGES
Australia’s only nationwide association representing servicemen conscripted between 1965 and 1972 has endorsed new laws that will streamline compensation claims and other health benefits.
Not for profit organisation, Nasho Fair Go which advocates on behalf of more than 30,000 remaining “Nasho” veterans, said any measure that simplifies and speeds up the delivery of often lifesaving treatment is welcome.
“We are now all aged between 74 and 81 and quite simply, we don’t have time on our side so getting faster access to government support and services, compensation and timely medical care couldn’t be more important,” said Mr Geoff Parkes, President Nasho Fair Go.
“In the past, we have had members waiting years and some who have actually died waiting for their compensation claims to be processed.
“So, from our viewpoint, it has been a system in desperate need of an overhaul and we applaud the Federal Government for expanding this support to Australia’s veteran community.”
Established under the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (VETS Act) and a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the new legislation, effective from 1 July, means all new compensation and rehabilitation claims will be determined under a single Act – the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA).
“Prior to this, we often had to navigate our way around three separate processes to access the compensation system and lodge a claim.
“We are all elderly and this was not easy especially knowing we have little time left to fully benefit from any entitlements.
“While we would be pleased to see our claims prioritised due to our advancing age, we are pleased to support the government’s ongoing work to care for Australia’s military veterans.
“It’s a great step forward.”