Carbon Price Household Assistance Measures Veteran Community

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Overseas Medicals for Gold Card Holders

Earlier this year after submissions had been made to me at an AVADSC meeting in Brisbane I approached the Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Consultative Forum regarding Gold Card holders being required to pay for Medical Vaccinations prior to overseas travel, I have now received a positive outcome.
Prior to 1st Aug 2010 DVA has not provided coverage for medical vaccinations for DVA clients travelling overseas, the approach was that these were privately incurred expenses.
DVA has now released a new Business Line where in it now states that as from the 1st Aug 2010 all GOLD CARD holders are eligible for all required vaccinations to be covered under the Gold Card arrangements.
Any Gold Card holders that may have incurred charges from 1st August 2010 are able to seek reimbursement via DVA. I would expect a fact sheet covering this to be issued shortly. I ask that you make this information widely available to your friends and association membership, I will send you a copy of the DVA Fact Sheet once it becomes available. If you or anyone else has any questions ask them to contact their nearest DVA VAN office.
Regards Gordon Blake
Chairman
QLD State Advisory Council
Australian Veterans’ & Defence Services Council

Health and Well Being Programmes

As the only veteran representative on the committee for this program could you add that this program is an initial pilot study for 17,000 eligible gold card holders including widows and will be available to all eligible card holders if at the end of four years it has demonstrated a benefit.

Best information web site is available at:

www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/health_programs/cvc/Pages/default.aspx

Thank you for the publicity.

Regards,

Rod.


Dr Roderick Bain MBBS FRCA FANZCA
RSL NSW State Vice President
Tel 02-93808774
Mob. 0417604450
roderickbain@gmail.com



PTSD LAUNCH
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Thursday, 12 January 2012 VA004

NEW REPATRIATION MEDICAL AUTHORITY CHAIR APPOINTED

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today announced Professor Nicholas Saunders has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA).

Professor Saunders recently retired as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Newcastle and will commence his five year appointment with the RMA on 1 July 2012.

“I congratulate Professor Saunders and welcome him to the role. He is a highly respected and experienced leader, who has held high profile positions in the academic and medical professions over many years. He is well qualified for his new role,” Mr Snowdon said.

Professor Saunders was awarded an MBBS with first class honours (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) from the University of Sydney in 1970; he became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians Canada in 1975, followed by fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in 1976. He has also served as the Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council from 2000-2003.

Professor Saunders was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2002 for his contribution to the success of the nation. He also received the College Medal in 2002 for his outstanding services to The Royal Australasian College of Physicians, which is responsible for the training and education of more than 13,500 physicians and pediatricians in Australia and New Zealand.

Professor Saunders will replace outgoing chairperson, Professor Ken Donald, who has held the position since the inception of the RMA in 1994.

“I would like to thank Professor Donald for his dedication to the RMA and for his many achievements over the past 17 years including setting up the Statement of Principle regime, which is a critical element of the system established to provide compensation to veterans who may have service related injuries or illnesses,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Professor Donald has left a lasting legacy with both the RMA and DVA and I wish him all the best for the future.”

The RMA was established in 1994 to reform the process of decision making about disease causation. It is an independent statutory authority responsible to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. It consists of a panel of five practitioners eminent in fields of medical science, who each determine Statements of Principles for any disease, injury or death that could be related to military service, based on sound medical-scientific evidence.

Media Note: An image of Professor Saunders is available on the DVA Media Centre website at www.dva.gov.au/media

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski or Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820 or 0407108 935 / 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203


Friday, 6 January 2012 VA001

ANZAC CENTENARY GOES FAR BEYOND ANZAC DAY
From 2014 to 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary – 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War. During this time we will remember not only the Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but all Australian servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The Anzac Centenary is about respectfully honouring all men and women of the Australian Defence Force – past and present – while creating a lasting legacy for all Australians.
The Anzac Centenary is a program of national significance and at the first meeting of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board on 14 October 2011, the Board resolved that a motif for the Anzac Centenary should be developed for consideration by Government.
The Board is comprised of eminent Australians, including business and community leaders and chaired by Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d) – former Chief of the Defence Force.
The development of a motif was also proposed by the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary, which included former Prime Ministers the Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser, PC, AC, CH and the Honourable Bob Hawke, AC. In its report to Government the Commission recommended “…an instantly recognisable motif…that conveys an overall theme should be attached to the centenary program.”
Highly-regarded motifs have been developed for similar programs such as the 1995 commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War Australia Remembers.
Any motif representing the commemorative period needs to have wide resonance, be readily understood by a broad cross section of the community and appropriately reflect the significance of the Centenary.
Consultation was held in both regional parts of the country along with capital cities, and consisted of the public, current serving personnel and veterans.

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski 0407108 935
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203



Pension Rates Jan-Mar 2012

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Range of Online services being introduced by DVA

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DVA leter re new service model of current or former members of the ADF who were seriously injured or wounded during service

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Issue – 4 – 2011
DVA services over the festive season
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ offices will close at 5pm on Friday, 23 December 2011 and will re-open at 9am Tuesday, 3 January 2012. During this time, many important services will still be available.
The free Veterans Line counselling service will be staffed throughout the Christmas and New Year period and can be accessed by phoning 1800 011 046 (free call from a landline phone).
Pension pay days will not be affected by the Christmas and New Year arrangements.
Visit the www.dva.gov.au/aboutDVA/Pages/christmas_new_year.aspx website for information on the full range of services available.



BROADBAND NETWORK PROVIDES IN-HOME HEALTHCARE

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, and the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced an
$8 million trial which will enable chronically ill veterans to have their health monitored by health professionals without leaving their home.

Mr Snowdon said the use of in-home telemonitoring technology, combines the best of the National Broadband Network (NBN) high speed broadband with chronic care management to benefit many in our veteran community.

“This trial will take advantage of reliable, high-speed and high-capacity broadband capability to change the way health services are delivered to the veteran community and allow veterans to access high-quality health care from home.

“Vital statistics will be monitored from home and veterans will also have access to high definition video consultations with their GP or nurse coordinator when required.

“This will ensure the veterans’ health can be observed, any irregularities can be identified and appropriate GP intervention provided in a timely manner,” he said.

Around 300 veterans will be able to participate in the trial in the NBN early release areas of Toowoomba in Queensland, Coffs Harbour and Armidale in New South Wales, Mandurah and Geraldton in Western Australia and Kingston Beach in Tasmania, commencing from July 2012.

Mr Snowdon said veterans in the trial would have an individual health care plan developed for them in consultation with their GP and a nurse coordinator.

“Overseas experience has shown that telemonitoring can have significant health benefits for those involved, including more responsive management of chronic conditions.”

Importantly, the program will be closely linked with the Coordinated Veterans’ Care Program, which provides ongoing, planned and coordinated care, led by a general practitioner (GP) with a nurse coordinator, to eligible veterans who have chronic conditions, complex care needs and are at risk of an unplanned hospitalisation.

Senator Conroy said the trial is an example of the exciting and transformational opportunities enabled by the NBN, and contributes to the Australian Government’s vision for Australia as a world leading digital economy by 2020.

“The NBN is the platform that will connect veterans and their health care teams, providing an avenue for care that is ideally suited to many people within our veteran community,” Senator Conroy said.


All information will be provided via a secure format and the safety and privacy of personal data will be protected.

“The Australian Government is committed to initiatives that are innovative and improve the health of all Australians, utilising a tool such as the NBN to assist our veterans stay to in their own homes for longer is a positive step forward.”

“This announcement builds on the key health reform initiatives such as Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record System to help streamline communication between the various health professionals involved in a veteran’s care, and the Coordinated Veterans’ Care Program,” Senator Conroy said.

More information about the new project is available at www.dva.gov.au

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820
Minister Conroy: Lyall Johnson 0408 258 457
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

Media: Images are available from the DVA Media Centre www.dva.gov.au/media



VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH REPORT RELEASED

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List

Friday, 25 November 2011

VA103

VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH REPORT RELEASED

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today released an independent report which reviewed an element of mental health programs and services available to the veteran community.

“The mental health and wellbeing of our returned servicemen and women is a priority, and this review is one way we can ensure that current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and their families, are receiving the best support available now and into the future.

“The Australian Government is investing $93 million over four years in a Mental Health Reform Program across both Defence and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), to ensure appropriate support is available to those who need it most.

“Current and former members of the ADF have access to a broad range of mental health support and services through public and private hospitals, consultant psychiatrists, counselling through the VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service, community psychology services and PTSD group programs,” he said.

The key findings of the Review of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Mental Health Group Treatment Programs, identified the effectiveness of PTSD group treatment programs.

Mr Snowdon said that PTSD programs had been successful and achieved strong outcomes that are comparable with, if not exceed, outcomes achieved internationally.

The report looked at satisfaction data from 2008–09 on surveys from veterans who had participated in the programs which showed that more than 97 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied with the programs.

The report also highlighted the success of the PTSD Group treatment programs funded by DVA.

Across all measures from entry to nine months follow-up, the group treatment programs resulted in statistically significant changes for participants on the overall reduction of PTSD symptoms, improvement in perceived quality of life, improvement in family relationships, reductions in anger and reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The report delivers on a 2009 recommendation made by Professor David Dunt as part of the Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-Service Community.

“This review, along with other recent studies such as the Australian Defence Force Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study released last month, adds to the wider mental health picture,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing study has provided foundations for the development of the 2011 Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which is an integral part of the Mental Health Reform program initiated by the Dunt review.


The strategy is specifically aimed at providing a solid foundation for good health and wellbeing within the ADF, and to ensure services targeting mental health care are promoted and available.

The strategy addresses seven immediate priority areas and will provide a blueprint for the 2012–2015 Mental Health Action Plan to be developed in consultation with the single services and key stakeholders.

Mr Snowdon said the independent review was conducted by the Centre for Military and Veterans Health with the support of DVA.

“The review made recommendations which are currently being considered.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring appropriate, accessible, efficient, accountable and evidence-based mental health care for the veteran and ex-service community,” he said.

A copy of the report is available on the DVA website – www.dva.gov.au/health_and_wellbeing/research/Pages/PTSDGroupTreatmentReport.aspx


Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999 or 02 6277 7820
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203



DVA'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THOSE WHO COMPLETE VOLUNTARY WORK

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Wednesday, 19 October 2011 VA090

VETERANS URGED TO STRENGTHEN THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today joined Member for Moreton Graham Perrett in urging all veterans to connect with their mates and consider their mental wellness during Veterans’ Health Week.

Monday, 24 October, kicks off Veterans’ Health Week which runs until Sunday 30 October 2011 and this year focuses on building on the strength of the veteran community–mental wellness.

Mr Snowdon met with veterans today at the Sunnybank RSL in Queensland and took the time to talk to them about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

“Enjoying a healthy lifestyle is important for every Australian, but for many members of the veteran community, war and conflict can have long lasting effects, so it is important they receive support to live a healthy and happy life.

“Veterans’ Health Week is a great opportunity for veterans, war widows, widowers, family members and the general community to celebrate the strengths of our veterans and importantly improve awareness and understanding of health and wellbeing issues,” he said.

Events will be held around the country not just encouraging veterans to consider their health, but also providing opportunities to re-connect with mates and try something new.

Sports events, sight-seeing tours and music concerts will run alongside information sessions focused on health issues particularly affecting veterans.

All of these activities are aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, spreading the word about the mental health benefits of exercise and nutrition, through to sharing the best ways to stay connected and how to handle specific mental health conditions, including depression.

“While Veterans’ Health Week is rightly focused on our veterans, their families, friends and all Australians should also take the opportunity to learn more about the issues facing our veterans, and to become educated about the importance of their own mental wellness as well,” Mr Snowdon said.

Graham Perrett said Veterans’ Health Week is a great opportunity for veterans to spend time with their mates, support one another and to take the lead demonstrating to friends and family the ways to better mental and physical health.

“I’d encourage all communities to support their local veterans, and consider hosting events this Veterans’ Health Week and into the future,” Mr Perrett said.

For more information on events happening throughout VHW visit www.dva.gov.au/vhw.htm

Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Alice Plate 0400 045 999 or 6277 7820
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203



RSL View on voluntary work
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Vietnam contaminated water
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Full Court judgement
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Issue 3 - September 2011

This issue we look at news across DVA as we near the end of the year.

Veterans' Health Week approaching



24-30 OCTOBER
Veterans' Health Week encourages the veteran community to consider their health needs and suggests positive changes to live stronger, healthier and happier lives.
This year’s theme is building on the strengths of the veteran community – mental wellness. DVA is working in partnership with ex-service and community groups to develop and fund a program of activities across Australia.
For more information on how to get involved visit the website. A list of events in each state will be available closer to the date.


DVA help for ADF On Base

From 1 October a network of trained DVA officers will be deployed to selected ADF bases across Australia as part of the On Base Advisory Service.

The On Base Advisory Service is an extension of existing DVA services. It will simplify the interaction between ADF members and DVA, resulting in a more streamlined and integrated approach to supporting wounded, injured or ill ADF members.

The service will provide DVA with a link to the approximately 60,000 current serving ADF members. On Base Advisors will visit ADF bases regularly and routinely to provide information and advice on DVA services and benefits to all ADF members, not just those medically separating. The service will include providing assistance, to those who are wounded, injured or ill, to lodge claims for compensation, preferably as close as possible to the time of their injury or illness.

This service is part of the Support for Wounded, Injured or Ill Program (SWIIP) – a joint initiative between Defence and DVA to deliver consistent and simplified support to all wounded, injured or ill members.

On Base Advisors will be located within selected Defence Health Centres on either a full or part-time basis. For more information on the service contact DVA in the first instance on 133 254 or for regional callers 1800 026 185 and ask to speak to an advisor in your region.




DVA on Facebook!
DVA is now on Facebook! Registered Facebook users can log on and ‘like’ DVA Aus to receive up-to-date news and events from the Department.

The DVA Facebook page is an open forum and DVA will do its best to keep the dialogue as open and current as possible. Comments will be monitored and anything offensive or political in nature will be taken down. Let’s keep it family friendly!

Visit the DVA Facebook page by clicking this link:


New health program for Australia’s elderly veterans

The Coordinated Veterans' Care (CVC) Program was launched by DVA Secretary, Mr Ian Campbell PSM, at the Australian Disease Management Association conference in Canberra on 25 August 2011.

The CVC Program provides planned and coordinated care for elderly Gold Card holders who are most at risk of unplanned hospitalisation due to chronic illness and complex care needs. The Program will not prevent those, who need to, going to hospital but will instead focus on prevention and improved management of chronic diseases, resulting in improved quality of life.

Around 17,000 veterans, war widows and widowers from the older veteran population are expected to benefit by 2014. Veterans should talk to their GP about becoming involved.

For more information visit the CVC website.


Veterans encouraged to participate in world-first research

Some 27,500 Vietnam veterans, their peers and family members have received a questionnaire as part of the Vietnam Veterans' Family Study – investigating the long-term impacts of wartime service on families of deployed personnel from the Vietnam era. Those who received the questionnaire are encouraged to complete and return it by early November.

There are some very personal questions about physical, mental and family health included in the questionnaire. The Study is entirely voluntary and participants can skip any questions which make them feel uncomfortable or distressed. The questionnaire provides details of support services available to those who may need them.

The Timor-Leste Family Study is researching the impacts of service on the families of deployed personnel from the Timor-Leste era. Questionnaires were sent to registered participants in May. Those who have not yet returned their completed questionnaire should do so as soon as possible.

Both studies will help DVA to better understand the health of Vietnam and Timor-Leste veterans and their families for future planning. The factors that make some individuals and families more resilient are of special interest.

For those who haven't registered to participate – it's not too late. Call 1800 502 302, email healthstudy@dva.gov.au or visit the Family Study Program website. Participants in the Timor-Leste Study are also encouraged to provide their partner’s details so they can be invited too.


Prisoner of War Recognition Supplement

A new payment of $500 per fortnight will be made to former Australian prisoners of war (POWs) in October. Eligibility for the payment commenced on 20 September, with the first full payments to begin on 6 October 2011.

The payment is tax-free, does not affect any Commonwealth payments and will be indexed annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.

The payment will be paid automatically to those former POWs DVA is already aware of, or those in receipt of ongoing DVA payments.

Any person who believes they should be receiving the payment but who has not been in contact with DVA recently should get in contact to clarify their eligibility for the payment.

More information is available at DVA Factsheet POW02.

For more details call DVA on 133 254 or for regional callers 1800 026 185.




Changes to loss of earning arrangements

Temporary Incapacity Allowance (TIA) was removed from the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) from 20 September 2011. From this date, any veteran or ADF member with coverage under the VEA who suffers a temporary period of incapacity due to treatment of a war or defence caused condition must claim Loss of Earnings (LOE) allowance instead of TIA.

In order to receive the LOE allowance, the veteran or member must have experienced some loss of earnings. Veterans or members who do not suffer a loss of earnings are not eligible to receive the LOE allowance.

More information is available at DVA Factsheet DP75.




Maintaining graves of our bravest

The graves of recipients of Australia’s highest honours for bravery will be protected under a new maintenance program. The program will cover the Victoria Cross (VC), its equivalent civil award, the Cross of Valour, and the predecessor of the Cross of Valour, the George Cross.

The new program of maintenance will be delivered by DVA, through the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG), and will provide for the maintenance in perpetuity of the graves of all Australian Victoria Cross, Cross of Valour and George Cross recipients, wherever they lie, at home or overseas.

Victoria Cross recipients have always been commemorated: many in war cemeteries overseas, others at home at the grave site or in a crematorium niche, and many in a Garden of Remembrance.

Veterans entitled to official commemoration may only be commemorated in one place, and as a result, the graves of veterans whose families have chosen commemoration in the Garden of Remembrance were left in the care of families. These graves, as well as 18 British and one New Zealand VC graves here in Australia will also be covered in the new program.

For more information see the media release.


DSHI expands customer services

Defence Service Homes Insurance is further improving its customer experience by releasing a pay-by-the month option and package of new insurance products.

DSHI policyholders can now enjoy the convenience of paying premiums monthly through an automatic debit to their bank account. Policy renewal notices detail the amount payable per month and there are no extra fees for the service.

The new products are available exclusively to the veteran and service communities and include travel insurance and compulsory third party vehicle insurance in New South Wales and Queensland.

Visit the DSHI website for more information.

Publications
Men’s Health Peer Education September 2011
Vetaffairs Spring 2011
www.dva.gov.au/publications

Events
Korea in from the cold International Conference: 6-7 October 2011
Australian War Memorial, Canberra