Outlook for 2006-07
Mental health
During 2006-07, the Department will develop and introduce a suite of mental health literacy products to the veteran community. Mental health literacy training will also be developed and delivered to health service providers and staff within the DVA environment. As part of this, the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health is collaborating with the Department to develop a Mental Health Advice booklet. This booklet targets service providers and health practitioners treating members of the veteran community with a mental health condition. The booklet will provide best practice information around assessment and treatment for members of the veteran community with common mental health problems such as anxiety, PTSD and depression.
Shared mental health care projects will be developed and piloted nationally. The aim of these projects is to facilitate relationship building and communication between GPs, the VVCS - Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS), the ADF and the Department to enhance veteran mental health care.
Widespread access to the VVCS is also being maintained. From 1 July 2006, all sons and daughters of Vietnam veterans, regardless of age, with psychological, emotional and social needs arising from the impact of their parents’ operational or warlike service, will be eligible to receive services from the VVCS.
Rehabilitation
The Repatriation Commission has recognised the need to enhance the support and assistance available to younger veterans (in their 20s and 30s) who have significant injuries and/or illnesses. In the coming year, the Commission will focus on strategies that will see rehabilitation assistance provided in a way that ensures each individual is given the opportunity to maximise their potential to live a full and rewarding life, to be engaged in the community and, wherever possible, to be engaged in some level of employment.
Service delivery
In addition to mental health treatment and rehabilitation services, the main priorities for the Commission in 2006-07 centre around responding to the needs of younger veterans. Key areas to be focused on include simplifying and improving the processes for veterans who are entitled to benefits under more than one piece of legislation, including the provision of information, simplifying the claims process and improving client service.
A Younger Veterans Taskforce was established during 2005-06 (see Outcome 4) and its work is expected to provide the foundations for further improvements to service delivery for younger clients in 2006-07. Initiatives are being developed that will continue to enhance the availability and clarity of information for clients and keep them more engaged throughout the determination process. The Department is also investigating ways to streamline the claims determination process through the use of a single claim form and improved coordination of processing under the VEA, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.