Individuals who have experienced abuse in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are to have more time to submit a report with the extension of the Defence Reparation Scheme.
The Department of Defence said the extension of the Scheme to 30 June 2022 would ensure that as many individuals as possible who had experienced serious abuse had an opportunity to report it.
“Abuse, in any form, is neither tolerated nor accepted in Defence, and affording those who were subject to serious abuse additional time to come forward is key to the healing process,” the Department said.
“The Defence Reparation Scheme commenced in 2017 and is open to current and former members of the ADF who suffered abuse by another ADF member on or before 30 June 2014,” it said.
The Department said applicants must contact the Defence Force Ombudsman on or before 30 June 2022, and either submit a report of abuse, or provide written notification of their intention to submit a report, with completed reports to be lodged by 30 June 2023.
Further information on the Scheme, including how to submit a report, can be accessed on the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s website at this PS News link.
Support for people feeling distressed by this article is available from the Defence All-hours Support Line – The All-hours Support Line (ASL) on 1800 628 036 and Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) on 1800 011 046.
