Thread: Govt. departments...

A good mate of mine is ex Airforce. He was severely injured in a workplace accident many years ago and has suffered ever since.

For the last 4 or 5 years he's spent most of his time helping people negotiate the DVA minefield. Some of the calls he takes when we're in the car just blow my mind. I wonder how the government gets away with treating people like that, let alone people who've signed up to do what they are expected to do (whether or not the actually ended up being called on to do it).

Originally Posted by BradC

A good mate of mine is ex Airforce. He was severely injured in a workplace accident many years ago and has suffered ever since.

For the last 4 or 5 years he's spent most of his time helping people negotiate the DVA minefield. Some of the calls he takes when we're in the car just blow my mind. I wonder how the government gets away with treating people like that, let alone people who've signed up to do what they are expected to do (whether or not the actually ended up being called on to do it).

Oh yes, I forgot the advice from DVA to go to the RSL to get an "advocate".

When I left the ADF I applied to DVA for injuries that had occurred during my time in uniform. They sent me an wad of form the size of a volume of an encyclopaedia. Ok, maybe not that big but there were lots.

I had to get my own (paid) independent diagnosis of each injury, that were already documented in my service medical records. Then complete a form for each injury, with information that I could not possibly recall without my records, like, date of injury. Not just the year, that I may have been able to calculate, no, the exact date.

I binned the forms and never bothered, DVA is a waste.

However, I did (only a couple of years ago) apply for my white card through "mygov" and with that Tins you can become a member of APOD which gives you discounts on many things. Veterans get free membership. The one I use the most is 5c/litre discount at Ampol or Caltex, sometimes is can be 7c/litre.

Also, all white card holders are covered for cancer, any cancer. I get screened twice a year for skin cancer on my DVA card. And I get a whopping DVA pension of $6.60/fortnight not sure if that is because of my active service or just being a ex-serviceman.

All Government Departments suck, they make simple things complicated so people just give up or don't bother in the first place.

Originally Posted by Tins

Many moons ago I served in the ADF. I never deployed overseas. Recently I have been told that I qualify as a "Veteran". Not sure how that sits with me, but whatever. OK. seems I may be eligible for a White Card, whatever that is. Might as well, I guess.
So, Department of Veteran's Affairs, here I come.. Right. Only they need to be accessed through MyGov. OK, I have a MyGov login... well, I used to. They have made access "simpler" since my last visit. Two hour pass and now I am in!. Great, now to link DVA... not so fast sonny.... you have to prove your identity first.... Really, I just spent the whole morning doing that with MyGov Anyway, it was relatively painless I guess, and they accept that I am a "Veteran". However, in order to proceed any further I need Proof of Service. Hang on, am I not now accepted as a "Veteran"? Yes, but POS is still required. Need to get that from Department of Defence. DoD now require Certified copies of ID docs. So, I have done that and uploaded them. Now I wait.
I don't expect lightning responses from Govt. departments when it's me wanting something from them, so the wait is expected. However, what I don't get is why the DVA do not already have my info. I mean, I an a "Veteran", apparently.
Oh, the PoS from DoD will be mailed, apparently, so I will then need to scan it so I can upload digital copies to DVA. Now I know why Canberra exists.

Hi John

I did it 30+ after leaving. Defense records and similar was a key for easy. DVA is not hard to deal with for a white card!

Get ready for a coffee per week perhaps. The White card gives us $ 6.60 each fortnight I did not ask for it, need it or ..... I do appreciate coffee It provides free /Gov funded Skin cancer help/checks, asbestos and similar exposure checks, Mental health support as well!

MyService | Department of Veterans' Affairs
<br>

If you need any help you have my number I think.

Originally Posted by NavyDiver

If you need any help you have my number I think.

Thx James. I believe I do indeed have the number. It's the mental health bit I would be interested in if it's available.

Originally Posted by Tins

Thx James. I believe I do indeed have the number. It's the mental health bit I would be interested in if it's available.

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling

Counseling is FREE for ex service members

"Ex-serving


If you have transitioned from full-time service in the Navy, Army or Air force you can request support from Open Arms, even if you are still part of the reserves.


Open Arms can provide individual, couples and family counselling. Group programs are also available and can help improve your mental health and wellbeing."

You will need the White Card and get the coffee cash
DVA is fairly quick. You probably DONT need RSL advocate. Not that they hurt- They are helpful types

Yeah it’s interesting the divide over who is a ‘veteran’ these days………

Either way I thought I’d apply for the lapel badge thingy on the myGOV site, to put with my other medals……gave up as I seem to be going round and round in circles.

I don’t wear any my attendance medals or display my soldier’s medallion but figured the lapel can sit with them for when the kids decide what to do with the medals.

Originally Posted by W&KO

Yeah it’s interesting the divide over who is a ‘veteran’ these days………

To this day my Grandfather feels extreme guilt for being medically unfit to serve in WW2. He was at the time however the only guy in Western Australia who could oxy weld aluminium fuel tanks to the standard required for aviation, so he spent a lot of time at the air base helping repair aircraft. He probably did more good in that role as a civilian, but laments not being able to stand next to his mates and get shot at. He turned 102 last month. Life's a funny thing. I still have the oxy torch they gave him in a box, and mum has the certificate of appreciation from the RAAF.

I've never served but I accompany a mate who has to the RSL on the odd Thursday arvo. Last time we were there one of the Vietnam vets unloaded on the way they were treated when they returned. Before my time, but it didn't sound good.

Frankly anyone who writes a blank cheque for their country deserves respect regardless of whether they got called to active duty in their time. You don't get to pick and choose which battles to fight.