COMPO BOOST

DEFENCE members may soon have one of the most comprehensive, innovative and beneficial compensation schemes in Australia if new draft legislation before Parliament is passed.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Danna Vale issued the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Bill 2003 on June 27.

“The new scheme enhances benefits available to Defence personnel and their families in the tragic event that a member suffers illness, injury or death as a result of their service to our nation,” Mrs Vale said.

“As well as improving support for injured members, the new scheme also increases the amount available to war widows and dependents who choose a lump sum as compensation.”

Mrs Vale said rehabilitation was a key focus of the new scheme.

“We want to ensure that any injured ADF member receives the support they need to make a full recovery or reach their optimum level of health, and to return to work where possible,” she said.

CDF General Peter Cosgrove said the new scheme was a substantial departure from existing military compensation arrangements.

“This will be the first compensation scheme in the ADF’s history to specifically deal with the special nature of military service in all its forms, warlike, non-warlike and peacetime,” GEN Cosgrove said.

The scheme will consist of:

• Compensation for economic loss in the form of incapacity payments based on the member’s pre-injury earnings, where the member is unable to work as a result of a service-related injury or illness.
• Compensation for permanent impairment and non-economic loss in the form of lump sum payments for pain and suffering associated with an injury or illness.
• Vocational, medical and social rehabilitation aimed at assisting the member to return to work or, in case of severe injury or illness, in assisting the member to improve his or her quality of life.
• Comprehensive coverage of medical, hospital and pharmaceutical expenses associated with the injury or illness through a combination of reimbursement or white or gold cards.

Following the consultation period, the Bill will be amended, if necessary, and then submitted to Parliament.

GEN Cosgrove said the development of the new military compensation scheme “is an important event for all ADF personnel in that it will establish a more effective and contemporary framework for their compensation arrangements into the future”.

The release of the exposure legislation follows extensive consultation with the ex-service community. Further meetings will be held with Defence and veteran representatives around the nation. Submissions on the draft legislation close on August 31.

“The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Bill recognises the unique circumstances of military service in Australia today,” Mrs Vale said. “With this legislation we will establish a modern scheme to meet the needs of future generations of veterans and their families.”

The new scheme is planned to start in mid-2004.

Further information and copies of the draft legislation are available at the site www.defence.gov.au/dpe/ militarycompensation2003.

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