Veterans

VETERANS Affairs

Re-establish the Defence and Veterans Legal Service

The Gerard Rennick People First Party acknowledges the systemic failures within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) that have led to widespread injustice, including abuse, rape, and failures in leadership. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide received over 5,000 submissions detailing these failures, yet no meaningful reforms or justice have been implemented. The ADF continues to operate without accountability, and no individuals have been referred for criminal charges.

This policy is designed to empower all current and former ADF personnel by ensuring they have access to truly independent, external legal representation that is free from government and Defence influence.

Policy Objectives

• Establish an Independent Defence and Veterans Legal Authority (IDVLA)

• A fully autonomous, non-government legal body to provide independent legal advice and representation to all serving and former ADF personnel.

• Staffed by experienced legal professionals, including specialists in military law, human rights law, and criminal law.

• Free of Defence and government influence, ensuring impartiality and integrity.

• Guaranteed Legal Support for Defence and Veteran Cases

• Access to free and confidential legal advice for all ADF personnel and veterans on issues including but not limited to:

• Workplace harassment, abuse, and rape

• Medical negligence and mental health claims

• Compensation and entitlements

• Discharge and dismissal disputes

• Unjust military discipline and legal proceedings

• Whistleblower protections

• Mandatory External Legal Oversight of Military Investigations

• Independent legal oversight for all Defence-related criminal allegations, ensuring that complaints, including sexual assault and abuse cases, are not handled solely within the ADF chain of command.

• Referral of all criminal allegations to civilian law enforcement agencies rather than internal Defence investigations.

• Independent legal monitoring of Defence Force Ombudsman and Inspector-General of the ADF processes.

• Legal Protection for Whistleblowers and Complainants

• Immediate legal safeguards for whistleblowers reporting ADF misconduct.

• Legal assistance for veterans and families impacted by military failures or systemic cover-ups.

• Stronger legislative protections for current and former ADF personnel seeking justice.

• Creation of a Special Defence and Veterans Legal Fund

• A government-funded but independently managed legal assistance fund to cover legal fees for veterans and ADF personnel pursuing justice.

• Funding sourced from reallocating Defence administration and legal budgets, ensuring financial security for complainants.

• Independent Review of Royal Commission Findings and Accountability Measures

• Conduct a parliamentary inquiry into why the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide has failed to produce substantive action.

• Establish a dedicated criminal investigation team to review Royal Commission submissions and refer individuals responsible for abuse, rape, negligence, and cover-ups to law enforcement.

• Hold Defence leaders and government officials accountable for systemic failures and lack of action.

Implementation Plan

• First 100 Days in Government: Establish the Independent Defence and Veterans Legal Authority (IDVLA) and initiate the Special Defence and Veterans Legal Fund.

• First 6 Months: Pass legislation ensuring whistleblower protections, mandatory external oversight of military legal cases, and civilian criminal investigations for serious allegations.

• First 12 Months: Launch an independent legal review of all Royal Commission submissions to determine criminal referrals and legal redress for victims.

Conclusion

The Gerard Rennick People First Party is committed to ensuring justice, accountability, and support for all ADF personnel and veterans. We will not allow Defence misconduct and government inaction to continue unchecked. Through independent legal support and enforcement, we will protect those who serve and ensure justice for those failed by the system.