DAV Financial Report 2001

DAV Financial Report 2001/02 extracts

Appendix A - Statistical information

http://www.dva.gov.au/media/aboutus/annrep01/appendices/a/appenda.htm#t70

This appendix contains statistical information about the veteran community, supplementing information in the Department Overview and Our Performance chapters.

These tables are:

Table 70: estimated number of survivors by conflict

Table 71: summary of benefit recipients

Table 72: pension and allowance rates

Table 73: number of income support pensioners

Table 74: service pensions payable by conflict

Table 75: partner and widow/widower service pensions payable by conflict

Table 76: service pension participation rates

Table 77: number of compensation pensioners by age

Table 78: disability pensions payable to incapacitated veterans as at 30 June 2000

Table 79: pensions payable to dependants of deceased veterans

Table 80: disability pensions payable to incapacitated veterans by conflict and rate

Table 81: disability pensions payable to incapacitated veterans by rate of pension

Table 82: treatment population by age group

Table 83: Gold Card and White Card holders

Table 84: treatment population projections

Table 70: estimated number of survivors by conflict

	June 2001
World War I	22
World War II	218 300
Korean War, Malayan Emergency and FESR	17 500
Vietnam War	51 600
Other pre-1972 conflicts	7 800
BCAL (QS)	59 200
Peacetime Defence Force	164 000
Post-1972 conflicts	19 700
Total	538 122

Notes :

The June 2001 figure for World War 1 is sourced from DVA Commemorations Branch database.

Figures for World War II, Korea, Malaya, FESR and other pre 1972 conflicts are estimates from the results of a 1984 Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey. Where the veteran has more than one service conflict they are recorded by first conflict.

Figures for Vietnam are based on nominal roll data and include some veterans with prior service in earlier conflicts.

Peacetime Defence Force figures are based on Australian Defence Force data and record those with three or more years service post-1972 who are potentially eligible under the VEA. It may include unknown numbers of veterans with service in conflicts prior to 1972.

Post-1972 conflicts include Namibia, Gulf War, Somalia, Cambodia and East Timor.

Total does not equal sum of components due to overlaps.

Components may not sum to total due to rounding and overlaps.

Total is those potentially eligible for SP and/or DP.

Compensation

Table 71: summary of benefit recipients as at 30 June 2000 and 30 June 2001

	Number of recipients at 30 June 2000	Number of recipients at 30 June 2001
Service pension*	297 076	290 695
Income support supplement*	76 000	79 491
Disability pension*	162 730	162 505
War widow's/widower's pension*	107 953	110 656
Attendant allowance	1 337	1 365
Rent assistance	26 232	26 279
Guardian's allowance	27	24
Dependent child add-on	57	56
Remote area allowance	1 215	1 263
Decoration allowance	1 309	1 233
Loss of earnings allowance (a)	54 877	231
Recreation transport allowance	3 697	3 825
Vehicle assistance scheme: (a)
Allowance for running cars	63	55
Driving devices	6	4
Vehicle purchase assistance	33	26
Funeral benefit (a)	7 772	3 708
Telephone allowance (b)	377 185	365 777
Temporary Incapacity Allowance (a)	274	173
Veterans' children education scheme	4 486	4 292
Clothing allowance	1 547	1 478
Homes insured	118 430	114 369
Housing loan subsidies	69 064	63 408

Table 72: pension and allowance rates as at 30 June 2000 and 30 June 2001 (fortnightly rates unless otherwise indicated)

	July 2000$	June 2001$
Service pension
Not a member of a couple	386.90	402.00
Partnered	322.90	335.50
Income support supplement	124.90	124.90
Disability pension
Special rate	683.00	708.50
Intermediate rate	471.40	489.00
Extreme Disablement Adjustment	388.65	403.05
General rate (100%)	259.10	268.70
War and Defence widow's/widower's pension (inc Domestic allowance)	411.90	427.00
Orphan's pension
Double orphan	127.80	131.90
Low rate - single orphan	64.00	66.00
Rent assistance
Not a member of a couple	85.00	88.00
Partnered - (combined)	79.80	82.80
Partnered with 1 - 2 children (combined)	99.20	102.80
Partnered with 3 or more children (combined)	102.00	116.60
Attendant allowance
High rate	209.20	215.90
Low rate	104.60	107.90
Clothing allowance
High rate	8.70	9.00
Low rate	4.10	4.20
Telephone allowance
Base rate (per quarter)	16.60	17.20
Section 27 (increased rates of pension)
Items 1-6	423.90	439.80
Items 7-15	139.50-31.30	144.00-32.30
Recreational transport allowance
High rate	55.70	57.50
Low rate	27.90	28.80
Allowance for vehicle assistance scheme (annual rate)	1 393.60	1 448.20*1 495.00#
Pharmaceutical allowance
Not a member of a couple	5.60	5.80
Partnered	2.80	2.90
Illness separated	5.60	5.80
Widow's/widower's rate	5.60	5.80
Orphan's rate	5.60	5.80
Remote area allowance
Not a member of a couple	18.20	18.20
Partnered rate	15.60	15.60
Spouse and widow/widower	18.20	18.20
Dependent child	7.30	7.30

Note:

From 1 July 2000 all pensions and allowances were increased by 4 per cent as part of the New Tax System compensation package. Maximum rent assistance was increased 10 per cent.

The Vehicle Assistance Scheme running and maintenance allowance is payable as a lump sum once per year. The rate is set once per year in September, however with the introduction of GST on 1 July 2000 meant that there were two increases since the previous year. The allowance was increased on 1 July 2000* in line with GST and it was also increased on 20 September 2000# in line with CPI.

Appendix H - Commonwealth Disability Strategy

http://www.dva.gov.au/media/aboutus/annrep01/appendices/h/appendh.htm#prf

Performance Reporting Framework

Performance Requirements of the Policy Adviser Role

Performance Requirements of the Regulator Role

Performance Requirements of the Purchaser Role

Performance Requirements of the Provider Role

Performance Requirements of the Employer Role

Performance Reporting Framework

Performance Requirements of the Policy Adviser Role

Performance indicator	Performance measure	Current Level of Performance
New or revised program/policy proposals assess impact on the lives of people with disabilities prior to decision.	Percentage of new or revised policy/program proposals that document that the impact of the proposal was considered prior to the decision making stage.	Current Business The Department of Veteran's Affairs' (DVA) policy is oriented towards ensuring the best possible health and financial support outcomes for the veteran community, including those with disabilities. Policies take into account the physical, mental and social well being of all members of the veteran community, and particularly ensure that people with service-related disabilities receive their lawful entitlements. Performance measure - percentage of new or revised policies/programs that assessed the impact on the lives of the members of the veteran community including people with a disability = 90% Business Improvement · Projects are designed to conform to disability legislation. Consultancy documentation could be improved.
People with disabilities are included in consultations about new or revised policy/program proposals.	Percentage of consultations about new or revised policy/program proposals that are developed in consultation with people with disabilities.	Current Business DVA has developed a partnership relationship with its clients (the veteran community). Most of DVA's new or revised policy/program proposals include consultation with ex-service organisations (including briefings, inclusion in committees and working groups) who represent, amongst others, veterans with disabilities. Most proposals, except those requiring confidentiality during formulation for budget or other reasons (eg internal administrative procedures), are developed in consultation with the veteran community including people with disabilities. However, a service representative who is a member of the Repatriation Commission already participates on all policy formulation and development processes affecting veterans with disabilities. Performance measure - percentage of consultation = 90% Business Improvement· The Department conforms to all Australian Standards. For proposals where an external consultant is used, briefs include the requirement to consider all relevant legislation and standards. Consultancy documentation could be improved.
Public announcements of new, revised or proposed policy/program initiatives are available in accessible formats for people with disabilities in a timely manner.	Percentage of new, revised or proposed policy/program announcements available in a range of accessible formats. Time taken in providing announcements in accessible formats.	Current Business A number of formats are used to publicise new, revised or proposed policy/program initiatives. These include face to face briefing for representative of the veteran community, postal advices, the DVA website, a departmental newspaper, audio cassettes and radio. All announcements are made available with a view to their accessibility by the veteran community including people with disabilities. Some examples of media used to publicise DVA initiatives are media releases, Vetaffairs and health initiatives. Media Releases All media releases are published on the DVA website in html format. Timeframe The Department aims to publish media releases on the Internet within 24 hours. Performance measures - percentage new, revised proposed policy/program announcements available in accessible formats. Electronic format = 100% published in html on DVA's website. Large Print = is available on request. It is possible to convert electronic copy into large print. Vetaffairs publication Vetaffairs provides the veteran community with up-to-date and relevant information about the Department's policies, programs and initiatives that affect them. Timeframe Four issues are published per year and distributed to members of the veteran community who receive any sort of payment or benefit from the Department and on request of Members of the Parliament, community organisations and individual veterans. During 2000-01, approximately 400 000 copies and approx 2 000 audio cassettes were distributed for each of the four editions of Vetaffairs. Audio cassettes were distributed immediately after paper copy version distribution of Vetaffairs. Performance measures - percentage new, revised proposed policy/program announcements available in accessible formats Printed format = clear and concise format, written in plain English, 10 point font. Audio cassette = 100% approx 2 000 each edition. Provided to people in the veteran community who are visually impaired and if requested. Electronic format = 0%. Vetaffairs is not currently available in an electronic format. The Department is looking at publishing Vetaffairs on DVA's website in html format. It would be possible to convert the html text into large print. Health initiatives The majority of program initiatives for the veterans are announced through a variety of media to ensure that they reach the broadest audience possible. Media used include published formats, both public and targeted radio campaigns and publication on the Internet. Timeframe The timeframe to publish public announcements about health initiatives on the DVA website is within the same day or within 24 hours after an announcement. Performance Measures - percentage new, revised proposed policy/program announcements available in accessible formats Electronic format (html) = 95% information published on DVA's website. Radio = 0.5% Large Print = available on request. It is possible to convert electronic information on the health part of the DVA website into large print. Business Improvement· Check publications to ensure they conform to standards and ensure reprints include changes required;· Material is put through Publications or Media to ensure correct format;· Brochures and publications include comments that they are available in other formats on request; and· Ensure staff are aware that alternative formats are available on request and how to organise these.

Administered Liabilities

http://www.dva.gov.au/media/aboutus/annrep01/appendices/i/appendi_11.htm#40

37.A - Personal Benefits

	2001 $000	2000 $000
PERSONAL BENEFITS
PENSION ARREARS	3 856	4 289
PENSION ACCRUALS	33 616	27 359
PAYABLE TO THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC ACCOUNT - GST	1 041	2 097
PAYABLE TO DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE	75	-
OTHER	6 399	9 472
TOTAL	44 987	43 217

37.B - Health Care Payments

	2001 $000	2000 $000
HIC PAYABLE	48 285	43 868
OUTSTANDING TREATMENT ACCOUNTS SYSTEM CLAIMS	195 000	173 852
TOTAL	243 285	217 720

Administered Equity

	CAPITAL		ACCUMULATED RESULTS		ADMINISTERED INVESTMENTS RESERVE		TOTAL
	2001 $000	2000 $000	2001 $000	2000 $000	2001 $000	2000 $000	2001 $000	2000 $000
BALANCE 1 JULY	458	458	33 726	44 218	61 724	61 724	95 908	106 463
NET CHANGE IN ADMINISTERED NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS	-	-	34 928	(7 205)	-	-	34 928	(7 205)
AMOUNT TO THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC ACCOUNT	-	-	(971)	(3 350)	-	-	(971)	(3 350)
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY	-	-	-	-	(21 636)	-	(21 636)	-
BALANCE 30 JUNE	458	458	67 683	33 726	40 088	61 724	108 229	95 908

The change in accounting policy amount has arisen as a result of the inclusion of DSH Insurance Scheme in the 2000-2001 agency statements. Note 2r contains the accounting policy for the insurance activities.

Administered Cash Reconciliation

Reconciliation of Net Contribution to Budget Outcomes to Net Cash from/ (used by) Operating Activities.

	2001 $000	2000 $000
NET CONTRIBUTION TO THE BUDGET OUTCOME	34 928	(7 205)
CASH TO OFFICIAL PUBLIC ACCOUNT FROM OPERATIONS	(971)	(3 350)
NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)	33 957	(10 555)
(INCREASE)/DECREASE IN INVESTMENTS	(922)	(487)
(INCREASE)/DECREASE IN RECEIVABLES	(12 578)	(1 383)
(INCREASE)/DECREASE IN PREPAYMENTS	(10 599)	(8 505)
(INCREASE)/DECREASE IN SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS ACCRUED	(27 282)	(71 409)
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN SUPPLIERS LIABILITIES	27 335	79 767
NET CASH PROVIDED/(USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	9 911	(12 572)

Department of Family and Community Services

	2001 $000	2000 $000
Opening funds due from Department of Family and Community Services (FACS)	7	-
Funds paid by DVA	62 441	57 847
Funds reimbursed by FACS	60 060	57 840
Funds due from FACS	2 388	7

Health Insurance Commission (HIC)

Payments of medical treatment for veterans is undertaken by the HIC pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding. The following table summarises HIC activity:

	2001 $000	2000 $000
Opening funds owed to the Health Insurance Commission	43 868	43 339
Funds advanced to HIC	(1 432 519)	(1 364 688)
Funds paid by HIC on behalf of DVA	1 436 936	1 365 217
Funds owed to HIC	48 285	43 868

HIC also make payments for pharmaceutical benefits on behalf of DVA. During 2000-2001 DVA advanced HIC a total of $329 723 575 (2000: $277 600 000).

Administered Financial Instruments

		Non Interest Bearing		Total Carrying Amount		Aggregate Net Fair Value		Weighted Ave EFF Interest Rate
Financial Instrument	Notes	2001 $'000	2000 $'000	2001 $'000	2000 $'000	2001 $'000	2000 $'000	2001 %	2000 %
FINANCIAL ASSETS
CASH AT BANK	36A	22 124	12 213	22 124	12 213	22 124	12 2213	n/a	n/a
RECEIVABLES	36B	27 387	14 773	27 387	14 773	27 387	14 773	n/a	n/a
TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS (RECOGNISED)		49 511	26 986	49 511	26 986	49 511	26 986
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES		-	-	-	-	-	-	n/a	n/a
LIABILITIES NOT RECOGNISED
INDEMNITIES		36 194	29 558	36 194	29 558	36 194	29 558	n/a	n/a
TOTAL FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (UNRECOGNISED)		36 194	29 558	36 194	29 558	36 194	29 558

For definitions of Financial Instruments see Note 33(a)

NATIONAL TREATMENT MONITORING COMMITTEE

http://www.dva.gov.au/media/aboutus/annrep01/section8_10/011_natmoc.htm#1

Enabling legislation

Membership

Powers and functions

Staff

Funding

Meetings

Activities and issues raised

Matters of significance

Subsidiary Bodies

New South Wales Treatment Monitoring Committee

Matters of Significance

Contentious Issues

Australian Capital Territory Treament Monitoring Committee

Matters of significance

Victoria Treament Monitoring Committee

Matters of significance

Queensland Treament Monitoring Committee

Matters of significance

South Australia Treament Monitoring Committee

Matters of significance

Western Australia Treament Monitoring Committee

Matters of significance

Tasmania Treament Monitoring Committee

Matters of significance

Northern Territory Treament Monitoring Committee

Matters of significance

The Repatriation Commission established the National Treatment Monitoring Committee (NATMOC) to monitor the integration or sale of the Repatriation General Hospitals (RGHs) and the operation of the Repatriation Private Patient Scheme (RPPS) in each state and territory.

Representatives of key ex-service organisations (ESOs) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs make up the committee. NATMOC held its inaugural meeting on 19 March 1992 but was not formally established until the Repatriation Private Patient Principles (RPPPs) came into operation on 1 July 1992.

After approving the operation of the committee for an initial two-year period, the Repatriation Commission reviewed NATMOC's role in May 1994 and, satisfied with its progress, approved an extension for a further two years. It approved further extensions in 1996 and 1998. In June 2000, NATMOC was extended until 2002.

Enabling legislation

NATMOC is established under the Repatriation Private Patient Principles, which are determined under section 90A of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986. The RPPPs state that the Repatriation Commission will monitor the access to, and quality of, hospital care arranged for the veteran community through a national treatment monitoring committee and a treatment monitoring committee (TMOC) in each State, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. NATMOC also has the same monitoring role under paragraph 13 of the schedule to the Seamens' War Pensions and Allowances Regulations.

The Repatriation Commission has the power to determine or amend the RPPPs and is responsible for the ultimate direction of the committee. The RPPPs are subject to effective parliamentary scrutiny through the mechanism of a disallowable instrument.

Membership

Membership of NATMOC is determined under RPPP No 13. Members are appointed for a two-year period but may resign at any time. The committee has two Commonwealth officers and seven members who represent ex-service and associated organisations:

Dr Neil Johnston	President, Repatriation Commission - Commonwealth representative and Chair
Mr Geoff Stonehouse OAM	Division Head Health, Department of Veterans' Affairs - Commonwealth representative
Mr G 'Rusty' Priest AM	Returned & Services League of Australia
Mrs June Healy OAM	War Widows' Guild of Australia
Mr Peter Alexander CMG OBE OAM	Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council
Brigadier Alf Garland AM (RL)	Australian Federation of Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women - to 13 September 2000
Mr Colin Doust	Australian Federation of Totally & Permanently Incapacitated Ex-Servicemen and Women - from 14 September 2000
Mr Simon Agnew	Legacy Coordinating Council
Air Vice-Marshal John Paule AO DSO AFC (Retd)	Regular Defence Force Welfare Association
Mr Rob Cox	Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia

The current periods of appointment will expire on 30 June 2002.

Powers and functions

Following the integration or sale of the RGHs, NATMOC, together with the State TMOCs, monitors the standard of health care and the range of health services available to veterans, war widows/widowers and dependants throughout Australia.

During 2000-01, NATMOC continued to provide a forum for TMOCs to raise issues best addressed at a national level. The committee received reports from TMOCs, DVA and State health organisations on aspects relating to the operation of the RPPS and wider health care issues for the veteran community.

Staff

DVA continued to provide secretariat services to the committees. Information about NATMOC can be obtained from the Branch Head Health Services on (02) 6289 6181.

Funding

NATMOC was financed from DVA budget allocation. Although committee members received no sitting fees, the Department covered the cost of travel and accommodation where members were required to attend interstate meetings.

Table 69: NATMOC expenses for 2000-01

Travel expenses for 3 meetings	$12 215
Accommodation for 3 meetings	$3 733
Provisioning for meetings	$1 162
TOTAL	$17 110

NATMOC does not distribute funds or grants.

Meetings

Meetings were held on 3 August 2000 - Brisbane, 7 December 2000 - Hobart and 29 March 2001 - Canberra.

Activities and issues raised

The committee's priorities during 2000-01 included:

reviewing the minutes from State TMOCs;

monitoring: - contracts with State Government hospitals;

private hospital veteran partnering activities;

the DVA/Defence Links project;

Optical Supplies Program;

Community Nursing Program;

Health Studies:

Vietnam Veterans

Gulf War Veterans

Korean Veterans;

Atomic Test Participants Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study;

the National Ex-Service Round Table on Aged Care; and

Issues arising from the Australian Hearing Services Advisory Committee.

Matters of significance

Repatriation Private Patient Scheme

The RPPS provides acute hospital care for veterans in local facilities. Under the scheme, entitled veterans and war widows/widowers may be admitted directly to a local public hospital, former Repatriation General Hospital or a contracted veteran partnering private hospital as a private patient, in a shared ward, the doctor of choice.

The committee takes a keen interest in the operation of the Repatriation Private Patient Scheme and the operation of the former Repatriation General Hospitals.

Veteran partnering

Members have continued to monitor negotiations on veteran partnering arrangements for the provision of services to eligible veterans by private hospitals. Arrangements have now been implemented in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and non-metropolitan Queensland.

DVA/Defence Links Project

The committee has commended DVA on the successful transfer of the Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Scheme from the Department of Defence. NATMOC has continued to support the Links project, which aims to improve services to Australian Defence Force members and veterans by identifying common business areas between DVA and Defence and by making better use of their resources.

Optical Supplies Program

Members followed progress in the joint DVA/Defence Request for Tender arrangements for optometrical supplies. DVA and Defence released a joint tender in April 2001, which resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive range of spectacle frames. The new range has approximately 100 metal and plastic frames, with features that would appeal to the younger serving member and the older veteran, such as spring hinges on many models. The NATMOC Optical sub-committee, responsible for consulting with the veteran community on the suitability and attractiveness of the proposed new range, provided feedback to the Optical Advisory Group. Members of the sub-committee are Mrs June Healy, Mr `Rusty' Priest and Mr Rob Cox.

Health Studies

Members were kept up-to-date on the progress of the following studies:

Vietnam Veterans' Health Study - members were advised of the implementation of a range of initiatives in response to the validated study findings. These initiatives focus on the prevention, maintenance and treatment of conditions identified through the study that are impacting on the health and well-being of the Vietnam veteran community.

Gulf War Veterans' Health Study - recruitment and examination are proceeding well and the Department is expecting a good response rate. It is expected that the final analysis will occur in December 2001.

Korean Veterans' Mortality Study - data-matching between the Nominal Roll of Australian Korean War Veterans and the Department's client database has been completed. Matching of the Australian Electoral Roll and of the National Death Index at the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has also commenced. A separate cancer incidence study has also commence.

Atomic Tests Participants Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study - the Department is undertaking a study to determine mortality and cancer incidence in atomic test participants. A preliminary nominal roll was completed in June 2001 and work was under way on commencing the study, with the establishment of a consultative forum and the appointment of an independent scientific advisory committee.

Community Nursing Arrangements

The committee has supported the new contractual arrangements for community nursing services to ensure community nurses provide high quality and efficient services to the veteran community.

National Ex-Service Round Table on Aged Care (NERTAC)

Members continue to have particular interest in the aged care issues addressed by NERTAC. Special needs status provided to the veteran community through the Department of Health and Aged Care has been closely monitored. The minutes of NERTAC meetings are circulated to NATMOC members.