This is a reminder for those who suffered abuse in the Australian Defence Force (‘Defence Force’) and wish to make an application for a reparation payment. Applicants are reminded that they must lodge their applications prior to 30 June 2021.

Applicants will not be entitled to make an application after this date.

Background

A reparation payment can be made to a person by the Defence Force on behalf of the Australian Government for alleged abuse that occurred on or before 30 June 2014 in the Defence Force.

This blog follows on from what we have previously discussed in some detail in relation to Defence Force abuse.

In summary, the reparation payment acknowledges the serious impact and lasting impact of abuse and mismanagement by the Defence Force. The payment is also an acknowledgement of the Defence Force’s failure to respond to the abuse and mistreatment appropriately.

A reparation payment can be made up as follows:

• A payment for up to $45,000 to acknowledge the most serious forms of abuse; or
• A payment of up to $20,000 to acknowledge other abuse involving unlawful interference accompanied by some element of indecency.
• An additional $5,000 can also be obtained if the Ombudsman is satisfied that the Defence Force did not respond to the abuse and mistreatment appropriately.

Applicants must bring their applications for a reparation payment through the defence force prior to 30 June 2021. You will not be entitled to make an application after this date.

Other options

A Reparation Payment may not be your best legal option, as a higher payment may be possible elsewhere, especially via a common law claim in negligence. If you are unsure of your legal options and what you may be entitled to, we encourage you to contact our office on [[$phoneNumber]] to arrange a free, no-obligation interview to assess your eligibility for compensation. We will work through your matter with you and provide you with advice as to what your best legal option is moving forward.