Australian Veteran Health Services welcomes @Minister Matt Keogh’s announcement to strengthen regulation of the veterans’ advocacy sector. This is a critical step to ensure veterans are never exploited when seeking the support they deserve.

Veterans have served this country and should never have to pay to get the support they need to access the entitlements they’ve earned. These reforms will help eradicate unethical practices and restore trust in the system.

When we recently presented our submission to the Senate Inquiry into veteran advocacy services called for stronger regulation of paid advocates, mandatory training and accreditation, and protection for vulnerable veterans from financial harm. We’re pleased to see these recommendations being adopted.

As a veteran-led organisation, we remain committed to supporting these efforts and working collaboratively with government and the sector to protect veterans and their families. 

Our focus is veterans’ health, not fees. AVHS provides free, bulk-billed services by veterans, for veterans – because care should never come at a cost. Veterans have served this country and should never have to pay to access the services they deserve.

We also call for the new Institute of Veterans’ Advocacy to include representation from the medical profession. Health is a critical part of veteran wellbeing, and having clinical expertise at the table will help ensure advocacy standards reflect the full spectrum of veterans’ needs.