“There has been wide consultation and considerable effort put into this report, and I would like to recognise and thank all those who have provided submissions, ideas and information to the Productivity Commission for consideration,” the Treasurer said.

“This is a significant report looking at an important and complex system. It will require careful consideration by the government as well as the veteran community and other stakeholders.”

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the government was committed to putting veterans and their families first and would carefully consider the report.

“The government has moved quickly to release this report and will be listening to the views of the veteran community, which we will consider in the context of developing our response,” Minister Chester said.

“I acknowledge the Productivity Commission’s final report has listened to feedback from the veteran community and changed a number of recommendations made in the draft report. In particular, the recommendation that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs should be abolished has been removed, with an emphasis on the need for a standalone agency.

“There are also new chapters focusing on mental health and veteran advocacy.”

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The government will finalise its response to the report in conjunction with the recent joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade inquiry into transition from the Australian Defence Force and the Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Scoping Study, which have also considered in detail the best ways of supporting veterans and their families.

You can find the Productivity Commission report here.