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Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release

The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.

By news@gippsland - 14th November 2025 - Back to News

The Coalition is calling on the Albanese government to develop new laws to regulate the veterans' advocacy sector following the release of the Senate Committee report, Issues Relating to Advocacy Services for Veterans Accessing Compensation and Income Support. Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said the Coalition stood ready to support sensible legislation to protect veterans and their families.

Darren Chester said the Coalition is ready to back strong laws amid rising unethical advocacy practices exposing vulnerable veterans to financial and personal harm

Veterans advocacy risks

Mr Chester said, "The report found widespread evidence of unethical and exploitative behaviour within the commercial, fee-for-service advocacy industry and warned the current lack of regulation is leaving vulnerable veterans open to serious financial and personal harm,"

"Evidence from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) revealed the number of commercial, fee-for-service providers has rapidly increased in the past 12 months, with some operators now accounting for nearly one-fifth of all claims processed by the department. "

"DVA told the committee it is concerned about unethical business models, excessive commissions, deceptive advertising and the offshore handling of sensitive veteran data. While the department has made some internal changes to address the issue, it is now up to the government to finally act," Mr Chester said.

Veterans advocacy reform

The Committee made seven key recommendations, including:

• Legislative action to curb harmful and deceptive business practices, including the imposition of fee caps
• Ban on misleading advertising and greater transparency in service agreements
• Stronger safeguards against the offshore handling of veterans' personal and medical data
• The establishment of a National Veterans' Legal Service, based on the successful Defence and Veterans' Legal Service model
• Sustained government funding for free-to-the-veteran advocacy through ex-service organisations

"The report also warned that the Institute of Veterans Advocacy, currently under development, will not be effective without stable government funding and legislative powers to register and discipline advocates. Importantly, the committee also urged the government to implement Recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which called for the establishment of a professional, paid veterans' advocacy workforce to replace the current ad hoc and volunteer-based model, he said.

Veterans advocacy ignored

Mr Chester also said, "Despite agreeing to the recommendation 'in principle' almost a year ago, the government has failed to deliver any concrete plan or funding to make it a reality. The Albanese government's failure to respond to this issue promptly shows a worrying disregard for veterans' welfare."

"This report exposes shocking gaps in regulation that have allowed some commercial operators to profit from veterans' pain. The government has been warned about these practices for over a year by DVA, by the Royal Commission, and now by a Senate inquiry, but it continues to drag its feet," he said.

Protect veterans now

Mr Chester added, "Every day that passes without reform leaves veterans vulnerable to exploitation, misinformation and financial stress. The government must work with the Coalition to bring forward legislation without delay to protect those who have served."

"Veterans should never be forced to pay a commission on their compensation or see their private medical data handled offshore. There is no reason the government couldn't introduce legislation in the final sitting week of the year to put these rogue actors on notice."

"The government must also deliver on Recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission and provide the funding needed to build a professional, paid advocacy workforce alongside the volunteer ESO network. Veterans deserve choice, whether that's free advocacy through ex-service organisations or access to qualified, ethical paid advocates who are properly regulated and supported," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community groups to prepare applications for Community Project grants round 2 from 2 until 27 February 2026
  Round Two of Baw Baw Shire’s Community Project Grants opens in February, offering community groups up to $5,000, with Applications by Appointment mandatory before submitting proposals by 27 February 2026.
• Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably.
• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
  East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard.
• Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line.
• Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
  Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community.