This was a very large and complex inquiry with terms of reference which could easily have taken multiple reports to cover. Rather than produce a number of reports, the committee has sought to table this report as soon as possible. The clear message to the committee was that immediate as well as longer term action is required to address suicide by veterans.

The committee appreciates that not everyone has the time to read this report cover to cover and provides this executive summary to give an overview of the key issues from the evidence and highlight key recommendations. Recommendations are categorised into short, medium and long term.

Short term:

Streamlining administration: The need to streamline the administrative practices of DVA was the overwhelming concern of the majority of submissions to the inquiry. The importance of improvements in this area is also recognised in the committee's longer term recommendations. Recent improvements through DVA's 'Veteran Centric Reform' program have highlighted the potential for further reform of administrative processes which can be rapidly achieved. The committee has recommended that the government continue to support and fund the 'Veteran Centric Reform' program in DVA (see Chapter 5).

At the same time as pursuing the 'Veteran Centric Reform' program, the committee has recommended the government continue to fund measures to reduce the backlog of claims and increase case coordination staff to assist clients with complex needs. To facilitate further assessment and improvement of administrative practices, the committee has recommended that the Australian National Audit Office commence a performance audit of the 'Efficiency of veterans' service delivery by the Department of Veterans' Affairs' as soon as possible (see Chapter 5).

Staff training: The committee was concerned to hear that some clients felt they had not been treated with respect by DVA officers. The committee acknowledges the difficulties of interacting with clients who are very frustrated with the processes and may be experiencing mental health issues. The committee would therefore like to ensure that relevant DVA staff interacting with clients have appropriate and up-to-date training. To this end the committee has recommended that DVA review its training to ensure that staff have an understanding of: military service; the health issues of veterans; have appropriate skills to deal with mental health conditions; and training regarding interpreting medical assessment reports (see Chapter 5).

Improving engagement: The committee appreciates the diverse nature of the veteran community and that it provides a challenge for DVA to ensure appropriate engagement. Older veterans are generally not reliant on online resources but contemporary veterans expect them. The committee believes there is scope for DVA to enhance its digital communication through social media to reach younger veterans. This would assist with referring clients to the most appropriate resources. The committee has recommended DVA expand its online engagement through social media (see Chapter 5).

Targeted programs based on new research: The committee commends recent research in this area, such as the AIHW findings concerning veterans at-risk of suicide, and believes more can be done to respond to new research findings. The committee considers better use of this research identifying 'at-risk' cohorts in the ADF and veteran community to target proactive support programs is needed. Research findings such as those by the AIHW should be used to develop new targeted suicide prevention and veteran support programs. The committee has recommended that the government develop and implement targeted suicide prevention programs based on the new research. The committee also recommended that the government expand the DVA Reconnects project to proactively contact veterans in at-risk groups (see Chapter 3).

Increasing access to the mental health community: The committee heard about a lack of experience in treating veteran specific issues within the wider mental health community. The committee considers that enhancements to online resources and training programs could assist with this issue. The committee has recommended that the government enhance the provision of veteran-specific online training programs (See Chapter 3). Further, mental health professionals highlighted discrepancies between the fees paid by Defence and DVA as a barrier to veterans accessing support. The committee has recommended that Defence and DVA align their arrangements for the provision of professional mental health care (see Chapter 3).

Medium term:

National suicide register: A clear message from the evidence was the wish for an on-going register of veteran suicide. The committee agrees that there should be a national register. The committee has recommended that the government establish a national veteran suicide register to be maintained by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (see Chapter 3).

Research: The committee was very concerned by accounts of negative interactions with DVA. It is logical that veterans who were satisfied with their experiences were less likely to be interested in the inquiry. Nonetheless, the committee believes a key contention by many witnesses, that the claims process is a key stressor and contributing factor to suicide by some veterans should be looked at closely. The committee has recommended that the government commission an independent study into the mental health impacts of the claims processes. Results from this study would feed into medium and longer term recommendations to address administrative issues described below (see Chapter 3).

Medical assessment: Many veterans told the committee that they were unhappy with their experiences in medico-legal firms and being required to attend multiple appointments. The committee supports efforts by DVA, Defence and CSC to implement a single medical assessment process. However the committee has recommended that DVA reassess its use of medico-legal firms to ensure the assessments are appropriate for conditions of veterans, particularly mental health conditions (see Chapter 5).

Further supporting veteran employment: Gaining meaningful employment one of the most important components of success for veterans in their post service lives. However, those transitioning from the ADF can struggle to connect with employers and employers can be unsure about transferrable skills. The committee has recommended the Career Transition Assistance Scheme include an option for veterans to undertake a period of work experience with an outside employer. The valued skills and experience of ADF members means they are often well suited to other public sector careers. The committee has recommended that the Australian Public Service Commission conduct a review into mechanisms to further support veteran employment in the Australian Public Service and the public sector (see Chapter 6).

Longer term:

Addressing legal and administrative complexity: The burden of legislative complexity and administrative hurdles impacts veterans when they are seeking support at a vulnerable period in their lives. The complexity of the legislative framework was a key theme from the evidence received. While arguably the most important issue during the inquiry, the committee recognises there is no quick fix.

Some previous reviews have examined at this issue but ultimately recommended that a single piece of legislation not be pursued. This assumption that a single piece of legislation cannot easily be achieved, has resulted in ad hoc measures intended to simplify the system. While any simplification is welcome, the fundamental complexity in the system has remained.

The committee agrees with witnesses that the current framework is complex and confusing and contributes to the frustration felt by veterans and ex-service personnel in dealing with DVA. There are two aspects: the legal complexity which has resulted in administrative complexity.

Other jurisdictions have simpler legislative frameworks for veterans. While the committee acknowledges steps being taken by DVA to streamline some aspects of their processes the committee anticipates that simplifying the legislative framework would result in efficiencies for all, including flowing through to the time taken to process claims. The committee has recommended that the government ask the Productivity Commission to review the legislative framework and administrative processes with the objective of simplifying the system. In particular, this review should examine the utilisation of Statements of Principle in the determination of compensation claims. The review should be completed within 18 months and be tabled in the Parliament (see Chapters 4 and 5).

Finally, the committee acknowledges that there is substantial support being committed by the Australian Government and considerable work being undertaken by DVA to transform the client experience for veterans. It is encouraging that DVA's reform agenda appears to be moving in the same direction as the recommendations suggested by many submitters. The areas highlighted in the Budget 2017-18 for the ADF and DVA also respond to several of the concerns raised during the inquiry. Nevertheless the pace of reform has been slow and needs to be increased. The committee hopes that the recommendations in this report will contribution to this reform.