Broad support for the Institute of Veterans’ Advocates
In 2024, DVA conducted public consultation on a proposal to establish a new independent veterans’ advocacy governance body - the Institute of Veterans’ Advocates (the Institute).
The proposal received broad support from the veteran community; a total of 95 submissions were received during public consultation, including contributions from ex-service organisations, advocacy groups and individual veterans.
The submissions have been compiled into a final report, which is now available on the DVA website, along with individual submissions (where permission to publish was provided).
The proposal outlined what key responsibilities of the Institute might look like, including:
- Providing leadership and support to veterans’ advocates
- Setting competency and training standards for the sector
- Providing access to advocacy training
- Accrediting and registering advocacy services
- Establishing a code of conduct.
Advocates can play a pivotal role in Australia’s veteran support system, and having an overarching body that provides leadership and support, sets competency and training standards for the sector, and accredits and registers advocates is a good thing for the entire veteran community.
The Institute will better promote the availability of quality free advocacy services, as an alternative to services that charge a commission based on compensation payments received. The Institute will be responsible for the governance of members and will be able to take action to address poor behaviour.
Feedback from the consultation process has been vital in finalising the key responsibilities and functions of the Institute.
DVA is now working with an interim Board to establish the Institute.
The consultation report is available to download on the DVA website: Institute of Veterans’ Advocates – Consultation
You can use the Advocacy Register to find an advocacy service in your area: www.advocateregister.org.au/