Veterans' Support Amendment Bill

  • enacted
4 Section 9 amended (Declarations that deployments are operational service)

After section 9(5), insert:

(5A)

The power under subsection (3) includes the power to make a declaration in respect of a deployment that has ceased, whether the deployment began before or after the commencement of this Act.

(5B)

In relation to any declaration referred to in subsection (5A),—

(a)

the reports referred to in subsections (1) and (2) may be provided at any time; and

(b)

subsection (3) applies with any necessary modifications; and

(c)

subsections (4) and (5) do not apply.

(5C)

The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, extend the period specified under subsection (3)(c) in a declaration referred to in subsection (5A) if the Minister is satisfied that the deployment continued to pose a significant risk of harm to members of the deployed force after the expiry of the period.

(5D)

Subsection (5E) applies in respect of a declaration (a replacement declaration) that—

(a)

is in respect of a deployment that has ceased; and

(b)

the Minister is satisfied replaces another declaration under this section or a decision under section 70A or 80A of the War Pensions Act 1954 (the earlier declaration or decision).

(5E)

Before making a replacement declaration, the Minister must be satisfied that support to which any particular person would, at any time (whenever arising), have been entitled under the Act as a result of the earlier declaration or decision will not be reduced as a result of the making of the replacement declaration.