Committee: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee
Date referred: 26 August 2025
Submissions closed: 5 September 2025
Reporting date: 30 October 2025
The committee’s inquiry into advocacy services relating to veteran compensation and income support lapsed at the end of the 47th Parliament. On 26 August 2025, the Senate re-referred the inquiry for further examination and report.
All correspondence and evidence previously received in relation to this inquiry have been made available to the new committee. This means that submissions already provided do not need to be re-submitted. The committee intends to refer to the evidence received during the 47th Parliament.
Terms of Reference
The representation of and advice provided by ex-service organisations, commercial entities, not-for-profits and individuals to veterans and families in relation to accessing compensation and income support from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, with particular reference to:
- the appropriateness of commercial entities, within and outside Australia, providing advocacy services, including the charging of fees or commissions on statutory entitlement payments;
- representation of veterans at the Veterans’ Review Board, including by legal practitioners;
- regulation, training and professional discipline arrangements for advocates;
- the consideration of previous reviews undertaken into the advocacy model, including recommendations made and subsequent implementation or lack thereof; and,
- any related matters.