The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is concerned by recent media reporting that draws on reports commissioned, assessed, and published by for-profit organisations. In that reporting, the significant commercial interests of organisations are not disclosed.
As seen in other large human services systems, a lack of transparency about commercial incentives risks undermining confidence and trust. This is not about the experiences of veterans, which are real and valid, but about ensuring the public has the full context needed to understand how information is produced and presented.
As highlighted in the Senate Inquiry into Issues relating to advocacy services for veterans accessing compensation and income support, some commercial advocacy services are charging significant commission-based fees, fees that are drawn from money intended as compensation for veterans and their families.
Veterans and families of veterans should be aware that these organisations have significant financial interests. Where media reporting relies on material produced by commercial advocacy providers, that financial interest is relevant context for audiences, particularly where reporting shapes public confidence in the veteran support system.
Veterans and their families do not need to pay anything for independent advocacy support. Free, trained advocacy services are widely available through ex-service organisations via the Advocacy Register. Choosing to use a free advocate ensures veterans can receive support without reducing their compensation. Further information on options for making a claim is available via the DVA website.
More than 50 per cent of veterans who engage with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs do so without additional support, lodging claims themselves.
The Department is continuing to simplify and improve the veteran support system in line with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. From 1 July 2026, all compensation and rehabilitation claims will be determined under a single Act – the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), significantly streamlining processes for veterans and families. This builds on a system that is already delivering significant outcomes for veterans, with more than $11 billion paid in support of veteran claims.
Alongside these reforms, work is underway to strengthen standards, transparency and professionalism across the advocacy sector. Additionally, The Institute of Veterans’ Advocacy will help veterans better understand what quality advocacy looks like and support informed choice when seeking assistance.