Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, has expressed concern over recommendations for the future of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) following the Productivity Commission’s interim report on Compensation and Rehabilitation for Veterans.

The report was released at the end of last year and unleashed a number of recommendations, including one which has rightly worried veterans in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and the Karana Downs region.

This recommendation is to dismantle the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 

Mr Neumann says he regularly meets with constituents who rely on the services and supported provided by DVA and they did not want to see the Department dismantled.

“More than 3,500 current and former service men and women in our region rely on DVA for support services, the fourth highest number in Queensland.

“Many veterans have expressed to me their concern over DVA being dismantled as a standalone department.

Mr Neumann said veterans have been left in the dark, with the Prime Minister refusing to rule out his Government accepting this recommendation of the Productivity Commission.

“To dismantle a standalone DVA would be nothing short of an insult to the men, women and their families who have sacrificed so much to serve our country.

“Labor has been clear from the start; our veterans deserve their own support, service and department to acknowledge their commitment to, and the sacrifice made for our country.

“There is no doubt that DVA can significantly improve their service to veterans, however, the focus should be on reform and improved service delivery for our veterans, not the abolition of DVA.

“DVA plays a vital role in recognising our obligation to those who have served our country. Labor has made it clear that it does not support abolishing the department as a stand-alone entity.

“The veterans who I speak to across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and the Karana Downs community are calling on Scott Morrison to do the same.”