{ "entity_id": "B-003959", "folder": "Veterans-Review-Board", "name": "Veterans' Review Board", "type": "Statutory Body", "jurisdiction": "Commonwealth", "portfolio": "Veterans' Affairs (part of the Defence Portfolio)", "website": "http://www.vrb.gov.au", "data_status": "rich", "completeness": { "has_strategy_brief": true, "has_strategy_structured": true, "has_vision": true, "has_kpi_targets": true, "has_kpi_results": true, "has_strategy_overview": true, "has_legislation_text": true, "has_legislation_structured": false, "has_global_initiatives_text": false, "has_ideas": true, "has_artifacts": true, "n_ideas": 12, "n_legislation": 0, "n_artifacts": 2, "n_kpi_targets": 3, "n_kpi_results": 3, "n_outcomes": 1, "verified_own_data": true }, "strategy_profile": { "status": "published", "confidence": "high", "summary": "To be an innovative and responsive tribunal that provides a specialist service to meet the unique needs of the veteran community. [AR p.2]", "official_site_url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au", "source_documents": [ { "type": "annual_report", "title": "VRB Annual Report 2024-25", "url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "period": "2024-25", "confidence": "high" }, { "type": "annual_report", "title": "Annual Report 2023-24", "url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf", "period": "2023-24", "confidence": "high" } ], "purpose": { "text": "To be an innovative and responsive tribunal that provides a specialist service to meet the unique needs of the veteran community. [AR p.2]", "source_url": "", "source_page": 2, "source_deep_url": "" }, "vision": { "text": "To deliver justice by listening to veterans and making high quality decisions in a timely, cost effective and efficient way. [AR p.2]", "source_url": "", "source_page": 2, "source_deep_url": "" }, "strategic_priorities": [ { "title": "Direct Lodgement of Applications", "description": "Direct Lodgement of Applications", "source_url": "", "source_page": null, "source_deep_url": "" }, { "title": "Expanded Jurisdiction to Include DRCA Matters", "description": "Expanded Jurisdiction to Include DRCA Matters", "source_url": "", "source_page": null, "source_deep_url": "" } ], "values": [ { "name": "Fairness", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null }, { "name": "professionalism", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null }, { "name": "integrity", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null }, { "name": "impartiality", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null }, { "name": "independence", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null }, { "name": "efficiency", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null }, { "name": "accessibility", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null }, { "name": "respect for the service of all veterans", "description": "", "source_url": "", "source_page": null } ], "outcomes": [ { "name": "Outcome 1: Accessible and timely review", "description": "To provide a mechanism of review that is accessible, fair, just, economical, informal, quick and proportionate to the importance and complexity of a matter, and promotes public trust and confidence in the decision-making of the VRB. [AR p.10]", "activities": [ "Online Dispute Resolution", "Dispute Resolution (outreach, conference or appraisal) or a VRB hearing" ], "source_url": "", "source_page": 10, "source_deep_url": "" } ], "performance_measures": [ { "code": "CCE01", "measure": "Clearance rate", "target": "100%", "latest_result": "88%", "status": "Partially achieved", "target_source_url": "", "target_source_page": null, "result_source_url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": null }, { "code": "CCE02", "measure": "Dispute resolution rate", "target": "90%", "latest_result": "85%", "status": "Achieved", "target_source_url": "", "target_source_page": null, "result_source_url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": null }, { "code": "CCE03", "measure": "Time targets met", "target": "100%", "latest_result": "100%", "status": "Achieved", "target_source_url": "", "target_source_page": null, "result_source_url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "result_source_page": null } ], "document_alignment_terms": { "must_support": [ "To be an innovative and responsive tribunal that provides a specialist service to meet the unique needs of the veteran community. [AR p.2]", "To deliver justice by listening to veterans and making high quality decisions in a timely, cost effective and efficient way. [AR p.2]", "Direct Lodgement of Applications", "Expanded Jurisdiction to Include DRCA Matters" ], "watch_terms": [ "Clearance rate", "Dispute resolution rate", "Time targets met" ], "avoid_claiming_without_evidence": [] }, "review_note": "" }, "strategy_brief_md": "# Veterans' Review Board — Strategy Brief\n\n**Reporting period**: 2024-25\n**Corporate plan in force**: 2025-26\n**Annual Report**: [2024-25](http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)\n\n## Vision\n\n> To deliver justice by listening to veterans and making high quality decisions in a timely, cost effective and efficient way. [AR p.2](http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf#page=2) [CP p.2]\n\n## Our purpose / purposes\n\n> To be an innovative and responsive tribunal that provides a specialist service to meet the unique needs of the veteran community. [AR p.2](http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf#page=2) [CP p.2]\n\n## How we deliver\n\n> We are a specialist, high volume tribunal that is innovative and responsive to its users. We seek to improve access to justice for all veterans, current serving members and their families by resolving applications at the earliest possible opportunity in a cost effective and efficient way. [AR p.2](http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf#page=2) [CP p.2]\n\n## Government priorities for this department\n\n- Direct Lodgement of Applications\n- Expanded Jurisdiction to Include DRCA Matters\n\n## Outcomes\n\n### Outcome 1: Accessible and timely review\nTo provide a mechanism of review that is accessible, fair, just, economical, informal, quick and proportionate to the importance and complexity of a matter, and promotes public trust and confidence in the decision-making of the VRB. [AR p.10](http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf#page=10) [CP p.10]\n\n**Key activities:**\n- Online Dispute Resolution\n- Dispute Resolution (outreach, conference or appraisal) or a VRB hearing\n\n## Values and principles\n\n_VRB Values_\n\n- Fairness\n- professionalism\n- integrity\n- impartiality\n- independence\n- efficiency\n- accessibility\n- respect for the service of all veterans\n\n## What they will measure themselves on this year (targets from 2025-26 corporate plan)\n\n| Code | Measure | Target | Source |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| CCE01 | Clearance rate | 100% | |\n| CCE02 | Dispute resolution rate | 90% | |\n| CCE03 | Time targets met | 100% | |\n\n## How they performed last year (results from 2024-25 annual report)\n\n| Code | Measure | Result | Status | Source |\n|---|---|---|---|---|\n| CCE01 | Clearance rate | 88% | Partially achieved | |\n| CCE02 | Dispute resolution rate | 85% | Achieved | |\n| CCE03 | Time targets met | 100% | Achieved | |", "strategy_overview_evidence_md": null, "internal_strategy_evidence_md": "# Veterans' Review Board - Strategy, Performance, and Operating Profile\n\n**Generated at**: 2026-05-09T22:34:56.331301+00:00\n**Entity ID**: B-003959\n**Entity type**: Statutory Body\n**Jurisdiction**: Commonwealth\n**Portfolio**: Veterans' Affairs (part of the Defence Portfolio)\n**Website**: http://www.vrb.gov.au\n\n> Draft generated from scraped source material. Treat this as an evidence pack for editorial review, not a final judgement.\n\n## Source Coverage\n\n| Source type | Count |\n|---|---:|\n| annual-reports | 2 |\n| pages | 8 |\n\n## Executive Readout\n\n### Purpose\n\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nission; and\nThe adjournment rate from VRB hearings • Embedding and expanding our\n• Our members and staff, whose\nremained low in 2024-25, reflecting direct lodgement process;\nprofessionalism, adaptability and commitment\nboth the success of pre-hearing dispute\n• Continuing to invest in digital remain at the heart of everything we do.\nresolution and the ability of VRB members\ntools that improve the veteran\nto deliver decisions efficiently and\nexperience; and The VRB enters 2025-26 with a renewed sense\neffectively.\n• Maintaining our strong focus on of purpose and a clear focus on delivering\nearly, fair, and respectful dispute accessible, independent, and just outcomes\nresolution. for the veterans, serving members and families\nseeking VRB review.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Rehabilitation and Compensation\naccessibility and ease for all participants. rising caseloads;\nCommission; and\nThe adjournment rate from VRB hearings • Embedding and expanding our\n• Our members and staff, whose\nremained low in 2024-25, reflecting direct lodgement process;\nprofessionalism, adaptability and commitment\nboth the success of pre-hearing dispute\n• Continuing to invest in digital remain at the heart of everything we do.\nresolution and the ability of VRB members\ntools that improve the veteran\nto deliver decisions efficiently and\nexperience; and The VRB enters 2025-26 with a renewed sense\neffectively.\n• Maintaining our strong focus on of purpose and a clear focus on delivering\nearly, fair, and respectful dispute accessible, independent, and just outcomes\nresolution. for the veterans, serving members and families\nseeking VRB review.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- The veteran’s own During 2024–25, 0.2 per cent of complaints were made for every application we resolved.\noutreach event.\npersonal story is often the most This was the same outcome as for the previous year.\n• Where a medical report is required,\nimportant evidence the VRB receives.\nthe examination of the veteran is\n2023–24 2024–25\nIt may be new evidence that the conducted by video or telephone\nDepartment did not have when the conference, to avoid unnecessary\nApplications finalised 3054 3505\nprimary decision was made.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,271\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2023–24\nWe improved We cleared 100.7% of our case\nWe continued to\naccess to justice holding, with no backlog of\nimprove timeliness,\nresolving more than 83.9% applications awaiting listing\nresolving all applications on\nof all applications using for a dispute resolution\naverage in 3.8 months.\ndispute resolution. event or hearing.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n\n### Role and Functions\n\n- [Page 75]\nM\nMembership, 8, 12, 44–45, 53–62\nMilitary Rehabilitation and Compensation, 22, 27, 30, 32, 39, 69\nMinister for Veterans’ Affairs, ii–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [pages 75,76]\n–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\nWork Health and Safety, 48\nAnnual Report 2023–24 71\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 39]\nIndex\nA M\nAccess and Equity, 49 Membership, 8, 12, 46-47, 55-64\nAdjournments, 19 Military Rehabilitation and\nAdministrative Review Tribunal, 25 Compensation Commission, 3, 5, 7, 40, 69\nApplications Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for\nDefence Personnel, ii-iii, 12\nlodged, 8, 18, 22–23\nfinalised, 5, 8, 18–19, 22–24, 31–34, 40\nN\nNational Registrar, 2-5, 13, 15, 40, 44\nC\nNeutral Evaluation, 69\nCase Appraisal, 68\nCaseload, 2, 4, 8, 19, 22, 52\nO\nCase Management System, 4, 7 Ombudsman, 25, 28\nCompliments, Complaints, 8, 40, 52 Online Dispute Resolution, 4, 6, 8, 24, 28,\nConference, 10, 28, 36, 38, 68 30, 33, 41, 69\nConference Registrar, 10, 13, 28-31, Outreach, 10, 28, 38, 41, 69\n35, 38-39, 51\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 3, 10\nD\nDispute Resolution, 4-8, 12-13, 18-21, Portfolio Budget Statements, 11\n24, 28-33, 38-41 Principal Member, ii, 2-5, 12-14, 40, 44-46,\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Target Results\n4.3 months.\n• ADR applications: average  Target met: on average, applications in the\nnumber of applications ADR program were finalised within 3.6 months.\nfinalised within 6 months\nNumber of applications finalised\n• All applications: average  Target met: on average all applications were\nThis is an indicator of how the VRB is carrying out its role of delivering justice for\nnumber of applications finalised in 4.3 months.\nveterans, current serving members and their families.\nfinalised within 12 months\nThe VRB continued to outperform time targets\ndespite a small increase in our processing times\nTargets Results\nand managed a growing caseload, finalizing\nmore cases overall than in the previous year.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- 2021 2022 2024 2025\nThe VRB launches Online the status of cases The VRB releases a new The VRB is increasing their representatives greater The VRB published a new The VRB was proud to This new DRCA jurisdiction,\nDispute Resolution ODR), throughout the whole online guide for self– accessibility even further, flexibility in the way they General Practice Direction be the first area of the which commenced in April\nthe first of its type and review process. represented applicants with a focus on delivering a participate in VRB hearings. concerning therapeutic veterans’ portfolio to begin 2025, applies to primary\nstarts to resolve certain The VRB expands its and advocates appearing review mechanism tailored to jurisprudence as part of implementation of key determinations made on or\napplications in under Vulnerable Veteran before the VRB.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,271\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2023–24\nWe improved We cleared 100.7% of our case\nWe continued to\naccess to justice holding, with no backlog of\nimprove timeliness,\nresolving more than 83.9% applications awaiting listing\nresolving all applications on\nof all applications using for a dispute resolution\naverage in 3.8 months.\ndispute resolution. event or hearing.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n\n### Strategic Priorities\n\n- [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,271\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2023–24\nWe improved We cleared 100.7% of our case\nWe continued to\naccess to justice holding, with no backlog of\nimprove timeliness,\nresolving more than 83.9% applications awaiting listing\nresolving all applications on\nof all applications using for a dispute resolution\naverage in 3.8 months.\ndispute resolution. event or hearing.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\nFinalise more applications than received  Target met: The VRB finalised 3054 applications in\n(3034 in 2023–24) 2023–24, 0.7 per cent higher than the target.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the AAT in 2023–24\nin 2023–24 appealed to the AAT amounted to 1.5 per cent of decisions made by the\nVRB in 2023–24.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Classification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 4.5 3.9\nAPS Level 5 2..10 0\nAPS Level 6 3.6 1\nExecutive Level 1 3.15 2.5 (and 1 in Adelaide)\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nAt 30 June 2024, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Salary ranges available to staff which are set out in the agreement are noted\nbelow:\nClassification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 $79,764 $85,074\nAPS Level 5 $88,923 $92,670\nAPS Level 6 $97,735 $110,982\nExecutive Level 1 $122,949 $135,013\nExecutive Level 2 $148,277 $166,893\n46 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Principal Member Number %\nFemale 1 100%\nMale 0\nTotal 1 100%\nSenior Member Number %\nFemale 3 25%\nMale 9 75%\nTotal 12 100%\nServices Member Number %\nFemale 6 40%\nMale 9 60%\nTotal 15 100%\nMember Number %\nFemale 2 15.4%\nMale 11 84.6%\nTotal 13 100%\nStaff Number %\nFemale 18.5 81.3%\nMale 4.25 18.7%\nTotal 22.75 100%\nAnnual Report 2023–24 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 56]\nTable 14: Veterans’ Review Board Expenditure\n2022–23 ($’000) 2023–24 ($’000)\nSalaries (includes superannuation) Salaries\n(includes superannuation)\nMembers 1,608 1,932\nStaff (includes o/time & temps) 3,080 3,154\nTOTAL 4,688 5,086\nTravel (includes fares, 113 98\naccommodation and allowances)\nSupplies and services\nPrinting, postage, stationery and other office 77 36\nexpenses\nCommunication and couriers 5 5\nExternal training 10 23\nAdvertising 0 23\nTOTAL 205 185\nGRAND TOTAL 4,893 5,271\n52 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 75]\nM\nMembership, 8, 12, 44–45, 53–62\nMilitary Rehabilitation and Compensation, 22, 27, 30, 32, 39, 69\nMinister for Veterans’ Affairs, ii–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [pages 75,76]\n–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\nWork Health and Safety, 48\nAnnual Report 2023–24 71\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nission; and\nThe adjournment rate from VRB hearings • Embedding and expanding our\n• Our members and staff, whose\nremained low in 2024-25, reflecting direct lodgement process;\nprofessionalism, adaptability and commitment\nboth the success of pre-hearing dispute\n• Continuing to invest in digital remain at the heart of everything we do.\nresolution and the ability of VRB members\ntools that improve the veteran\nto deliver decisions efficiently and\nexperience; and The VRB enters 2025-26 with a renewed sense\neffectively.\n• Maintaining our strong focus on of purpose and a clear focus on delivering\nearly, fair, and respectful dispute accessible, independent, and just outcomes\nresolution. for the veterans, serving members and families\nseeking VRB review.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n\n## KPIs, Targets, and Where They Are At\n\n- Targets Results\nFinalise more applications than received  Target met: The VRB finalised 3054 applications in\n(3034 in 2023–24) 2023–24, 0.7 per cent higher than the target.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the AAT in 2023–24\nin 2023–24 appealed to the AAT amounted to 1.5 per cent of decisions made by the\nVRB in 2023–24.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Finalise more applications than received 8 Target not met: The VRB finalised 3505\n(3989 in 2024–25) applications in 2024–25.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\nbacklog of claims, applications for review In 2024–25, the VRB conducted over 510\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the ART in 2024–25 by the VRB continued to rise.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Target Results\n4.3 months.\n• ADR applications: average  Target met: on average, applications in the\nnumber of applications ADR program were finalised within 3.6 months.\nfinalised within 6 months\nNumber of applications finalised\n• All applications: average  Target met: on average all applications were\nThis is an indicator of how the VRB is carrying out its role of delivering justice for\nnumber of applications finalised in 4.3 months.\nveterans, current serving members and their families.\nfinalised within 12 months\nThe VRB continued to outperform time targets\ndespite a small increase in our processing times\nTargets Results\nand managed a growing caseload, finalizing\nmore cases overall than in the previous year.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Target Results\n• ADR applications: average  Target met: on average, applications in the\nnumber of applications ADR program were finalised within 3.2 months.\nfinalised within 6 months This is a 0.3 month improvement on last year\n• All applications: average  Target met: on average all applications were\nnumber of applications finalised in 3.8 months.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Proportion Percentage of cases where\nAAT appeals of total VRB AAT at hearing decided\nYear lodged decisions Finalised differently to VRB*\n2022–23 63 2.4% 65 0.3%\n2023–24 46 1.5% 67 0.3%\n* This measure identifies those appeals heard by the AAT and excludes those cases where a consent agreement was\nreached by the parties.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- 2024–25 65 1.85% 129 1.0%\n* This measure identifies those appeals heard by the ART and excludes those cases where a consent agreement\nwas reached by the parties.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,271\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2023–24\nWe improved We cleared 100.7% of our case\nWe continued to\naccess to justice holding, with no backlog of\nimprove timeliness,\nresolving more than 83.9% applications awaiting listing\nresolving all applications on\nof all applications using for a dispute resolution\naverage in 3.8 months.\ndispute resolution. event or hearing.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Classification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 4.5 3.9\nAPS Level 5 2..10 0\nAPS Level 6 3.6 1\nExecutive Level 1 3.15 2.5 (and 1 in Adelaide)\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nAt 30 June 2024, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Salary ranges available to staff which are set out in the agreement are noted\nbelow:\nClassification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 $79,764 $85,074\nAPS Level 5 $88,923 $92,670\nAPS Level 6 $97,735 $110,982\nExecutive Level 1 $122,949 $135,013\nExecutive Level 2 $148,277 $166,893\n46 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Principal Member Number %\nFemale 1 100%\nMale 0\nTotal 1 100%\nSenior Member Number %\nFemale 3 25%\nMale 9 75%\nTotal 12 100%\nServices Member Number %\nFemale 6 40%\nMale 9 60%\nTotal 15 100%\nMember Number %\nFemale 2 15.4%\nMale 11 84.6%\nTotal 13 100%\nStaff Number %\nFemale 18.5 81.3%\nMale 4.25 18.7%\nTotal 22.75 100%\nAnnual Report 2023–24 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 56]\nTable 14: Veterans’ Review Board Expenditure\n2022–23 ($’000) 2023–24 ($’000)\nSalaries (includes superannuation) Salaries\n(includes superannuation)\nMembers 1,608 1,932\nStaff (includes o/time & temps) 3,080 3,154\nTOTAL 4,688 5,086\nTravel (includes fares, 113 98\naccommodation and allowances)\nSupplies and services\nPrinting, postage, stationery and other office 77 36\nexpenses\nCommunication and couriers 5 5\nExternal training 10 23\nAdvertising 0 23\nTOTAL 205 185\nGRAND TOTAL 4,893 5,271\n52 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 75]\nM\nMembership, 8, 12, 44–45, 53–62\nMilitary Rehabilitation and Compensation, 22, 27, 30, 32, 39, 69\nMinister for Veterans’ Affairs, ii–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n\n## Key Metrics\n\n| Values found | Evidence | Source |\n|---|---|---|\n| $79,764 , $85,074\n, $88,923 , $92,670\n, $97,735 , $110,982 | Salary ranges available to staff which are set out in the agreement are noted\nbelow:\nClassification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 $79,764 $85,074\nAPS Level 5 $88,923 $92,670\nAPS Level 6 $97,735 $110,982\nExecutive Level 1 $122,949 $135,013\nExecutive Level 2 $148,277 $166,893\n46 Veterans’ Review Board | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| $82,795 , $88,307 , $92,302 , $96,191 , $101,449 , $115,199 | Salary ranges available to staff which are set out in the agreement are Member Number %\nnoted below:\nFemale 2 16.7%\nJob Classification Salary Range Salary Range Male 10 83.3%\nAPS Level 4 $82,795 $88,307 Total 12 100%\nAPS Level 5 $92,302 $96,191 Staff Number %\nAPS Level 6 $101,449 $115,199 Female 19.23 86.5%\nExecutive Level 1 $127,62 $140,143 Male 3 13.5%\nExecutive Level 2 $153,912 $173,235 Total 22.23 100%\n48 Veterans’ Review Board Annual Report | `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)` |\n| 41\nStaff | [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,27 | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 3.9\nAPS, 0\nAPS | Classification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 4.5 3.9\nAPS Level 5 2..10 0\nAPS Level 6 3.6 1\nExecutive Level 1 3.15 2.5 (and 1 in Adelaide)\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nAt 30 June 2024, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement. | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 1,932\nStaff | [Page 56]\nTable 14: Veterans’ Review Board Expenditure\n2022–23 ($’000) 2023–24 ($’000)\nSalaries (includes superannuation) Salaries\n(includes superannuation)\nMembers 1,608 1,932\nStaff (includes o/time & temps) 3,080 3,154\nTOTAL 4,688 5,086\nTravel (includes fares, 113 98\naccommodation and allowances)\nSupplies and services\nPrinting, postage, stationery and other office 77 36\nexpenses\nCommunication and couriers 5 5\nExternal training 10 23\nAdvertising | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 46\nStaff | [Page 75]\nM\nMembership, 8, 12, 44–45, 53–62\nMilitary Rehabilitation and Compensation, 22, 27, 30, 32, 39, 69\nMinister for Veterans’ Affairs, ii–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66– | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 46\nStaff | [pages 75,76]\n–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nR | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 38\nStaff | [Page 7]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2023–24 2024-25\nClearance rate 100.7% 88%\nDispute resolution rate (including Online Dispute Resolution) 83.9% 85%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2023–24 2024-25 OVERVIEW OF THE VRB\nCompliments rate 1.37% 1.8%\nComplaint rate 0.2% 0.2%\nOur People 2023–24 2024-25\nMembers 41 38\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 22.75 22.23\nOur Finances 2023–24 2024-25\nOur budget 5,271 5,508\nAt a | `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)` |\n| 1,353\nStaff | [Page 30]\nTable 14: Veterans’ Review Board Expenditure\n2023–24 ($’000) 2024–25 ($’000)\nSalaries (includes superannuation)\nF/T Members/Executives 1,101 1,070\nSessional Members 1,276 1,353\nStaff (includes o/time & temps) 2,709 2,609\nAPPENDIX 1\nTOTAL 5,086 5,032\nTravel (includes fares, 98 168\naccommodation and allowances)\nSupplies and services\nPrinting, postage, stationery and 36 35\nMembership Biographies\nother office expenses\nCommunication and cour | `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)` |\n| 0.5 per cent | This was an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to the previous reporting year.\nresolution event (or Registry staff prior to\na hearing) if evidence can be obtained via\n2023–24 2024–25\none of the ways noted above. | `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)` |\n| $5.620M | In 2024–25, our results were delivered\n• Provide accessible and welcoming venues  We conducted hearings in-person and online Looking ahead, dispute resolution will be within the budget ($5.620M) allocated by\nacross Australia, including regional and also offered ‘hybrid’ hearings, with a mixture critical in managing the growing volume of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.\nareas of in-person and remote participants at a single\napplications for V | `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)` |\n| 0.7 per cent | Targets Results\nFinalise more applications than received  Target met: The VRB finalised 3054 applications in\n(3034 in 2023–24) 2023–24, 0.7 per cent higher than the target. | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 10 per cent, 1.5 per cent | Targets Results\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the AAT in 2023–24\nin 2023–24 appealed to the AAT amounted to 1.5 per cent of decisions made by the\nVRB in 2023–24. | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 10 per cent | Targets Results\nbacklog of claims, applications for review In 2024–25, the VRB conducted over 510\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the ART in 2024–25 by the VRB continued to rise. | `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)` |\n| 0.7 per cent | Targets Results\nFinalise more applications than received  Target met: The VRB finalised 3054 applications in\n(3034 in 2023–24) 2023–24, 0.7 per cent higher than the target. | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 10 per cent, 1.5 per cent | Targets Results\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the AAT in 2023–24\nin 2023–24 appealed to the AAT amounted to 1.5 per cent of decisions made by the\nVRB in 2023–24. | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 10 per cent | Targets Results\nbacklog of claims, applications for review In 2024–25, the VRB conducted over 510\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the ART in 2024–25 by the VRB continued to rise. | `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)` |\n| 41\nStaff | [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,27 | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| 3.9\nAPS, 0\nAPS | Classification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 4.5 3.9\nAPS Level 5 2..10 0\nAPS Level 6 3.6 1\nExecutive Level 1 3.15 2.5 (and 1 in Adelaide)\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nAt 30 June 2024, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement. | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n| $79,764 , $85,074\n, $88,923 , $92,670\n, $97,735 , $110,982 | Salary ranges available to staff which are set out in the agreement are noted\nbelow:\nClassification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 $79,764 $85,074\nAPS Level 5 $88,923 $92,670\nAPS Level 6 $97,735 $110,982\nExecutive Level 1 $122,949 $135,013\nExecutive Level 2 $148,277 $166,893\n46 Veterans’ Review Board | `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)` |\n\n## Key Achievements\n\n- [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,271\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2023–24\nWe improved We cleared 100.7% of our case\nWe continued to\naccess to justice holding, with no backlog of\nimprove timeliness,\nresolving more than 83.9% applications awaiting listing\nresolving all applications on\nof all applications using for a dispute resolution\naverage in 3.8 months.\ndispute resolution. event or hearing.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 7]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2023–24 2024-25\nClearance rate 100.7% 88%\nDispute resolution rate (including Online Dispute Resolution) 83.9% 85%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2023–24 2024-25 OVERVIEW OF THE VRB\nCompliments rate 1.37% 1.8%\nComplaint rate 0.2% 0.2%\nOur People 2023–24 2024-25\nMembers 41 38\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 22.75 22.23\nOur Finances 2023–24 2024-25\nOur budget 5,271 5,508\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2024–25\nWe improved access to justice We finalised more applications We continued to outperform time\nresolving more than 85% of all this year (3505) than last year targets and managed a higher\napplications using dispute resolution. (3054). caseload.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Chart 3.1 illustrates the number of applications lodged and finalised in the last two\nfinancial years, and the number of applications on hand (in progress) at 30 June in\neach year.\n 2022–23  2023–24\n3500\n3034 3054\n3000\n2607\n2426\n2500\n2000\n1500\n842\n1000 717\n500\n0\nLODGED FINALISED ON HAND\n22 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- In 2024–25, our results were delivered\n• Provide accessible and welcoming venues  We conducted hearings in-person and online Looking ahead, dispute resolution will be within the budget ($5.620M) allocated by\nacross Australia, including regional and also offered ‘hybrid’ hearings, with a mixture critical in managing the growing volume of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.\nareas of in-person and remote participants at a single\napplications for VRB review —helping to\nhearing.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Chart 3.1 illustrates the number of applications lodged and finalised in the last two\nThe reporting year encompassed approximately 10 weeks of the period in which the\nfinancial years, and the number of applications on hand (in progress) at 30 June\nVRB’s DRCA jurisdiction has been operative.\nin each year.\n \n2023–24 2024–25\n  \nVEA MRCA DRCA\n4500\n3989 3505\n4000 3000\n2840\n2584\n3500 3054\n3034 2500\n3000\n2000\n2500\n2000 1500\n1050 1015\n1500\n911\n1000\n1535\n842\n1000\n500 415\n500 100 105\n10\n0\n0\nLODGED FINALISED ON HAND\nLODGED FINALISED ON HAND\n22 Veterans’ Review Board Annual Report 2024–25 23\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\nFinalise more applications than received  Target met: The VRB finalised 3054 applications in\n(3034 in 2023–24) 2023–24, 0.7 per cent higher than the target.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the AAT in 2023–24\nin 2023–24 appealed to the AAT amounted to 1.5 per cent of decisions made by the\nVRB in 2023–24.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Classification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 4.5 3.9\nAPS Level 5 2..10 0\nAPS Level 6 3.6 1\nExecutive Level 1 3.15 2.5 (and 1 in Adelaide)\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nAt 30 June 2024, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Salary ranges available to staff which are set out in the agreement are noted\nbelow:\nClassification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 $79,764 $85,074\nAPS Level 5 $88,923 $92,670\nAPS Level 6 $97,735 $110,982\nExecutive Level 1 $122,949 $135,013\nExecutive Level 2 $148,277 $166,893\n46 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Principal Member Number %\nFemale 1 100%\nMale 0\nTotal 1 100%\nSenior Member Number %\nFemale 3 25%\nMale 9 75%\nTotal 12 100%\nServices Member Number %\nFemale 6 40%\nMale 9 60%\nTotal 15 100%\nMember Number %\nFemale 2 15.4%\nMale 11 84.6%\nTotal 13 100%\nStaff Number %\nFemale 18.5 81.3%\nMale 4.25 18.7%\nTotal 22.75 100%\nAnnual Report 2023–24 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 56]\nTable 14: Veterans’ Review Board Expenditure\n2022–23 ($’000) 2023–24 ($’000)\nSalaries (includes superannuation) Salaries\n(includes superannuation)\nMembers 1,608 1,932\nStaff (includes o/time & temps) 3,080 3,154\nTOTAL 4,688 5,086\nTravel (includes fares, 113 98\naccommodation and allowances)\nSupplies and services\nPrinting, postage, stationery and other office 77 36\nexpenses\nCommunication and couriers 5 5\nExternal training 10 23\nAdvertising 0 23\nTOTAL 205 185\nGRAND TOTAL 4,893 5,271\n52 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 75]\nM\nMembership, 8, 12, 44–45, 53–62\nMilitary Rehabilitation and Compensation, 22, 27, 30, 32, 39, 69\nMinister for Veterans’ Affairs, ii–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n\n## Key Issues, Risks, and Recommendations\n\n- [Page 75]\nM\nMembership, 8, 12, 44–45, 53–62\nMilitary Rehabilitation and Compensation, 22, 27, 30, 32, 39, 69\nMinister for Veterans’ Affairs, ii–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [pages 75,76]\n–iii, 12\nN\nNational Registrar, 2, 12–13, 15, 39, 42\nNeutral Evaluation, 12, 69\nO\nOmbudsman, 24,28\nOnline Dispute Resolution, 7, 23, 26, 29, 32, 53\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 10\nPortfolio Budget Statement, 10\nPowers, 10–11, 32–33, 68\nPractice Notes, 40\nPrincipal Member, ii, 2, 12–14, 39, 42–44, 47, 53, 59, 66–67\nPublications, 40\nR\nReasons, 2–3, 32–34, 43\nRegional, 20–21, 55\nRegistrars, 12, 14\nRepatriation Commission, 25–26, 30, 32, 39\nRepresentatives, 35, 38\nRisk management, 42\nS\nSection 137 report, 6, 22, 30\nSenior management, 14, 46\nStaff, 8, 13, 15, 46–47\nT\nTherapeutic Jurisprudence, 3, 7\nTraining, 49\nV\nVerbosity, 44\nVideo hearings, 4, 6, 31, 35, 37–39\nVulnerable Veterans’ Protocol, 3, 6, 25, 34–36\nW\nWebsite, 32, 50\nWorkforce diversity, 47\nWork Health and Safety, 48\nAnnual Report 2023–24 71\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- In order to avoid unreasonable more control over the choice of health to a maximum amount of $1000.00 per\n• Documentary evidence: including costs to the parties and reduce the risk of professionals, location and timing of claimed condition.\nunreasonable delay to the finalisation of\nservice records, unit diaries or other appointments, including the option of Additionally, reimbursement of\nveterans’ applications, the VRB requests\npublished historical or contemporary using tele-health where appropriate. reasonable travelling expenses incurred\nthe parties to consider:\naccounts of events that took place\nA veteran or representative is welcome in obtaining such medical evidence\nduring service. • Where appropriate, obtaining oral\nto ask a Conference Registrar in a dispute (and travelling expenses for those of an\nevidence from a doctor or specialist\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- [Page 39]\nIndex\nA M\nAccess and Equity, 49 Membership, 8, 12, 46-47, 55-64\nAdjournments, 19 Military Rehabilitation and\nAdministrative Review Tribunal, 25 Compensation Commission, 3, 5, 7, 40, 69\nApplications Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for\nDefence Personnel, ii-iii, 12\nlodged, 8, 18, 22–23\nfinalised, 5, 8, 18–19, 22–24, 31–34, 40\nN\nNational Registrar, 2-5, 13, 15, 40, 44\nC\nNeutral Evaluation, 69\nCase Appraisal, 68\nCaseload, 2, 4, 8, 19, 22, 52\nO\nCase Management System, 4, 7 Ombudsman, 25, 28\nCompliments, Complaints, 8, 40, 52 Online Dispute Resolution, 4, 6, 8, 24, 28,\nConference, 10, 28, 36, 38, 68 30, 33, 41, 69\nConference Registrar, 10, 13, 28-31, Outreach, 10, 28, 38, 41, 69\n35, 38-39, 51\nP\nPermanent Impairment, 3, 10\nD\nDispute Resolution, 4-8, 12-13, 18-21, Portfolio Budget Statements, 11\n24, 28-33, 38-41 Principal Member, ii, 2-5, 12-14, 40, 44-46,\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- VRB Justice Portal are involving veterans at risk to support complex model combining in- person ADR Group of the Year at the and best practice in • Direct Lodgement of\nl p a a u r n ti c e h s e t d o – u p a l l o lo a w d ing e m n o a r b e l i t n a g il o a r q e u d i c re ke so r l a u n ti d o n a p p a p rt l i i c c i a p t a io n n ts s . with multiple a in n a d s r i e n m gl o e t e h e p a a r r i t n ic g i . p A a s t i w on e ll A A u D s R t r A a w lia a n rd D s i f s o p r u 2 te 0 s 2 1 C . entre communicating with VRB Applications\nas harnessing the specialist vulnerable veterans and • Expanded Jurisdiction to\ndocuments directly to of applications.\nexpertise of its members their families. review decisions made under\nthe VRB and live–track\nacross the country, a hybrid the Safety, Rehabilitation\nmodel offers veterans and and Compensation (Defence-\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- VRB Publications\nAll Annual Reports\nAll Practice notes\nAll Verbosity editions\nAnnual Reports\nAnnual Report 2024-25\nAnnual Report 2023-24\nAnnual Report 2022-23\nAnnual Report 2021-22\nAnnual Report 2020-21\nAnnual Report 2019-20\nAnnual Report 2018-19\nAnnual Report 2017-18\nVeRBosity\nA guide to appearing before the VRB - for self-represented veterans and representatives\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2012\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2006\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2003\n Source: `pages/publications-index.html (http://www.vrb.gov.au/vrb-publications)`\n- [Page 12]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nClearance rate 107.5% 100.7%\nADR resolution rate 83.9% 83.9%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nCompliments rate 2.7% 1.3%\nComplaint rate 0.3% 0.2%\nOur People 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nMembers 42 41\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 23.6 22.75\nOur Finances 2022–23 ($'000) 2023–24 ($'000)\nOur budget 4,893 5,271\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2023–24\nWe improved We cleared 100.7% of our case\nWe continued to\naccess to justice holding, with no backlog of\nimprove timeliness,\nresolving more than 83.9% applications awaiting listing\nresolving all applications on\nof all applications using for a dispute resolution\naverage in 3.8 months.\ndispute resolution. event or hearing.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\nFinalise more applications than received  Target met: The VRB finalised 3054 applications in\n(3034 in 2023–24) 2023–24, 0.7 per cent higher than the target.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Targets Results\n• Less than 10 per cent of decisions made by the VRB  Target met: Appeals to the AAT in 2023–24\nin 2023–24 appealed to the AAT amounted to 1.5 per cent of decisions made by the\nVRB in 2023–24.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- In order to avoid unreasonable costs\nto the parties and reduce the risk of unreasonable delay to the finalisation of veterans’\napplications, the VRB requests the parties to consider:\n• Where appropriate, obtaining oral evidence from a doctor or specialist (who has\nreviewed the veteran) over the telephone during a hearing or dispute resolution\nconference, rather than requiring the veteran to undergo a further medical\nassessment and obtain a full medical report.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Classification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 4.5 3.9\nAPS Level 5 2..10 0\nAPS Level 6 3.6 1\nExecutive Level 1 3.15 2.5 (and 1 in Adelaide)\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nAt 30 June 2024, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Salary ranges available to staff which are set out in the agreement are noted\nbelow:\nClassification Salary Range Salary Range\nAPS Level 4 $79,764 $85,074\nAPS Level 5 $88,923 $92,670\nAPS Level 6 $97,735 $110,982\nExecutive Level 1 $122,949 $135,013\nExecutive Level 2 $148,277 $166,893\n46 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- Principal Member Number %\nFemale 1 100%\nMale 0\nTotal 1 100%\nSenior Member Number %\nFemale 3 25%\nMale 9 75%\nTotal 12 100%\nServices Member Number %\nFemale 6 40%\nMale 9 60%\nTotal 15 100%\nMember Number %\nFemale 2 15.4%\nMale 11 84.6%\nTotal 13 100%\nStaff Number %\nFemale 18.5 81.3%\nMale 4.25 18.7%\nTotal 22.75 100%\nAnnual Report 2023–24 47\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 56]\nTable 14: Veterans’ Review Board Expenditure\n2022–23 ($’000) 2023–24 ($’000)\nSalaries (includes superannuation) Salaries\n(includes superannuation)\nMembers 1,608 1,932\nStaff (includes o/time & temps) 3,080 3,154\nTOTAL 4,688 5,086\nTravel (includes fares, 113 98\naccommodation and allowances)\nSupplies and services\nPrinting, postage, stationery and other office 77 36\nexpenses\nCommunication and couriers 5 5\nExternal training 10 23\nAdvertising 0 23\nTOTAL 205 185\nGRAND TOTAL 4,893 5,271\n52 Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n\n## Corporate Values and Operating Culture\n\n- VRB values\nFairness, professionalism, integrity, impartiality, independence, efficiency,\naccessibility and respect for the service of all veterans.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [pages 5,6,7]\nission; and\nThe adjournment rate from VRB hearings • Embedding and expanding our\n• Our members and staff, whose\nremained low in 2024-25, reflecting direct lodgement process;\nprofessionalism, adaptability and commitment\nboth the success of pre-hearing dispute\n• Continuing to invest in digital remain at the heart of everything we do.\nresolution and the ability of VRB members\ntools that improve the veteran\nto deliver decisions efficiently and\nexperience; and The VRB enters 2025-26 with a renewed sense\neffectively.\n• Maintaining our strong focus on of purpose and a clear focus on delivering\nearly, fair, and respectful dispute accessible, independent, and just outcomes\nresolution. for the veterans, serving members and families\nseeking VRB review.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- In order to avoid unreasonable more control over the choice of health to a maximum amount of $1000.00 per\n• Documentary evidence: including costs to the parties and reduce the risk of professionals, location and timing of claimed condition.\nunreasonable delay to the finalisation of\nservice records, unit diaries or other appointments, including the option of Additionally, reimbursement of\nveterans’ applications, the VRB requests\npublished historical or contemporary using tele-health where appropriate. reasonable travelling expenses incurred\nthe parties to consider:\naccounts of events that took place\nA veteran or representative is welcome in obtaining such medical evidence\nduring service. • Where appropriate, obtaining oral\nto ask a Conference Registrar in a dispute (and travelling expenses for those of an\nevidence from a doctor or specialist\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- Staff in our client service teams:\nTable 1: VRB membership, 30 June 2025\n• provide a dedicated single point of contact for each veteran, ensure applications are\n‘event– ready’ and facilitate the listing of dispute resolution processes and hearings\nCATEGORY OF MEMBER TOTAL (WOMEN)\n• liaise with veterans and advocates about their cases and give them information, and\nPrincipal Member, full time 1 (1)\n• provide support services to conference registrars and members.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- It is important that vulnerable veterans\nWe aim for service excellence by being: accessible, respectful, responsive, timely,\nare identified as early as possible in the\nimpartial, consistent, professional and efficient.\nreview process and that appropriate\nWhen you contact the VRB you can expect: action is taken by the VRB as soon as\npossible to manage their applications.\n• to be greeted in a polite and courteous way Where the VRB identifies a vulnerable\n• a dedicated Client Service Officer to manage your application veteran, the veteran’s application will be\n• answers to your queries from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on working days immediately triaged for an on–papers\nreview by one of the VRB’s subject\n• accurate information about VRB processes.\nmatter experts.\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)`\n- [Page 4]\nContents\nThe year in review 1\nOverview of the VRB 9\nDelivering justice 17\nManagement and accountability 41\nAppendix 1 53\nAppendix 2 63\nAppendix 3 65\nIV Veterans’ Review Board\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [Page 10]\nOUR EVOLUTION\n1914 1917 1920s 1929\nThe right to seek a The right of appeal Ex–service The first external\nreview of veterans’ to a Board came organisations appeals tribunals\npensions and into existence in the complain about – the War Pensions\nentitlements was Australian Soldiers the absence of an Entitlement and\nincluded in the War Repatriation Act 1917 independent right of Appeals Tribunals are\nPensions Act 1914 appeal. established by the\nAustralian Soldiers\nRepatriation Act 1920.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n- [pages 15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22]\ntive\nWhilst the VRB is an independent statutory tribunal, we are not a separate\nCommonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act\n2013.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf)`\n\n## Global Ideas and Case Study Inputs\n\n_No global-intelligence source text found yet. Run `CLAUDE/global-ideas-scraper.py ` to populate case-study sources._\n\n## Source Artifacts Used\n\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pdf` - annual-reports - http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pdf` - annual-reports - http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf\n- `pages/about.html` - pages - http://www.vrb.gov.au/about-us\n- `pages/annual-reports-index.html` - pages - http://www.vrb.gov.au/vrb-annual-report-2024-25\n- `pages/annual-reports-index__00.html` - pages - https://www.vrb.gov.au/vrb-annual-report-2024-25\n- `pages/annual-reports-index__01.html` - pages - http://www.vrb.gov.au/vrb-annual-report-2024-25\n- `pages/annual-reports-index__02.html` - pages - http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf\n- `pages/homepage.html` - pages - http://www.vrb.gov.au\n- `pages/news-latest.html` - pages - http://www.vrb.gov.au/news-and-events/vrb-wins-courts-and-tribunals-adr-group-year\n- `pages/publications-index.html` - pages - http://www.vrb.gov.au/vrb-publications\n\n## Gaps To Fix\n\n- No corporate plan text source found.\n- No global comparison/case-study sources found.", "legislation_md": "# Veterans' Review Board - Acts and Legislation Discovery\n\n**Generated at**: 2026-05-09T21:22:10.194904+00:00\n**Entity ID**: B-003959\n**Jurisdiction**: Commonwealth\n**Portfolio**: Veterans' Affairs (part of the Defence Portfolio)\n\n> This is an evidence-based discovery list from scraped department material. A mention does not always mean the department administers the legislation; high-confidence and official register links should be reviewed.\n\n## Summary\n\n- Source files scanned: 11\n- Unique legislation references found: 18\n\n| Type | Count |\n|---|---:|\n| Act | 18 |\n\n## Legislation References\n\n### Veterans Entitlements Act 1986\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: high\n**Mentions**: 6\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Veterans+Entitlements+Act+1986\n\n**Sources**:\n- `pages/about.html`\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- essment of war pensions. The VRB has existed in its current form since 1985.\nWe finalise around 3,000 cases a year, across Australia.\nWe can only hear cases when a law gives us this authority.\nThe law that establishes the VRB and governs our operations is the\nVeterans Entitlements Act 1986\n(the VEA).\n Source: `pages/about.html`\n- tt Keogh\nMinister for Veterans and Defence Personnel\nMinister forDefence Personnel\nParliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600\nDear Minister\nI am pleased to present to you the 2023–24 Annual Report of\nthe Veterans’ Review Board, as required by subsection 215(4)\nof the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.\nYours sincerely,\nJane Anderson\nPrincipal Member\n2024\nII Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 3]\nAbout the VRB\nWe are a specialist, high volume tribunal. We are innovative, responsive and seek to\nimprove access to justice for all veterans, current serving members an\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- to\nimprove access to justice for all veterans, current serving members and their families\nby resolving applications at the earliest possible opportunity in a cost effective and\nefficient way.\nThe law that establishes the VRB and governs our operations is the Veterans’\nEntitlements Act 1986 (the VEA).\nAbout this report\nEach year we must give the Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel a report, as\nrequired under the VEA. It provides an account of our activities from 1 July 2023 to\n30 June 2024.\nThis report is prepared for the Minister for Ve\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- tages in the process and what happens at each stage, and\n• documents the parties need to provide.\n40 Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 45]\nManagement and\naccountability\nAnnual Report 2023–24 41\n\n[page 46]\nOur governance\nSenior Management\nWe are established by the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth). This is the principal law\nthat governs our operations. Under this law, the Principal Member is responsible for\nensuring the expeditious and efficient discharge of our business and for managing the\nadministrative affairs of the VRB. The National Registr\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- earliest possible opportunity in a cost effective and efficient way.\nI am pleased to present to you the 2024–25 Annual Report of\nThe law that establishes the VRB and governs our operations is the\nthe Veterans’ Review Board, as required by subsection 215(4) of\nVeterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA).\nthe Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.\nYours sincerely,\nAbout this report\nEach year we must give the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence\nPersonnel a report, as required under the VEA. It provides an account of our activities\nfrom\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: high\n**Mentions**: 3\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Public+Governance%2C+Performance+and+Accountability+Act+2013\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- decision to the decision–maker for reconsideration (we ask the decision maker\nto reconsider the whole decision again, or some aspect of it).\nOur objective\nWhilst the VRB is an independent statutory tribunal, we are not a separate\nCommonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act\n2013. Rather, we are considered a Secondary Australian Government Body, receiving our\nfunding and corporate services from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As a result, we\ndo not have a budget allocation in the Portfolio Budget Statements.\nOur objective is set\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- alue of contracts and consultancies is\navailable on the AusTender website: www.tenders.gov.au.\n50 Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 55]\nFinancial Information\nAlthough the VRB is an independent statutory tribunal, it is not a separate\nCommonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act\n2013. Rather, the VRB is considered a Secondary Australian Government Body, receiving\nfunding and corporate services from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As a result, the\nVRB does not have a budget allocation in the Portfolio Budget Statements.\nIn 2023–24, we\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- l Information\nconsultancies. Information on the estimated value of contracts and consultancies is\navailable on the AusTender website: www.tenders.gov.au. Although the VRB is an independent statutory tribunal, it is not a separate\nCommonwealth entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act\n2013. Rather, the VRB is considered a Secondary Australian Government Body, receiving\nfunding and corporate services from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. As a result, the\nVRB does not have a budget allocation in the Portfolio Budget Statements.\nIn 2024–25, we\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Judicial Review) Act 1977\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 2\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Judicial+Review%29+Act+1977\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- ibunal.\nADF Australian Defence Force.\nADR Alternative Dispute Resolution\nADR processes Procedures and services for the resolution of disputes,\nwhich includes outreach, conferencing, neutral evaluation\nand case appraisal.\nAD( JR) Act Administrative Decisions ( Judicial Review) Act 1977\nAdjournment Suspension of a hearing.\nApplicant A person or body that has applied for a review (to the VRB\nor AAT), or applied for an allowance or increase in pension\n(to DVA).\nApplied provisions Provisions of the VEA that set out the VRB’s powers and\nfunction\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- ADR Alternative Dispute Resolution.\nART Administrative Review Tribunal.\nADR processes Procedures and services for the resolution of disputes,\nwhich includes outreach, conferencing, neutral evaluation\nand case appraisal.\nAD( JR) Act Administrative Decisions ( Judicial Review) Act 1977\nAdjournment Suspension of a hearing.\nApplicant A person or body that has applied for a review (to the\nVRB or AAT), or applied for an allowance or increase in\npension (to DVA).\nApplied provisions Provisions of the VEA that set out the VRB’s powers and\nfunction\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### VEA Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 2\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=VEA+Veterans%E2%80%99+Entitlements+Act+1986\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- hours of remunerative work a\nweek due to accepted disabilities.\nSRCA Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.\n68 Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 73]\nTelephone hearing A VRB hearing conducted by telephone between a VRB\nhearing room and another location.\nVEA Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.\nVeteran A person who has rendered eligible war service under Part II\nof the VEA.\nVideo hearing A VRB hearing conducted by video–link between a VRB\nhearing room and another location.\nVRB Veterans’ Review Board.\nWar–caused death A death for which liability has\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- A for\ntraining pension and welfare officers and representatives,\ns148(6A) request Request sent by VRB Registrar as delegate of Principal\nconducted by ESO, DVA and VRB trainers.\nMember to the Secretary of DVA or MRCC seeking further\ninvestigation or documents. VEA Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.\ns151 adjournment Adjournment of a hearing by VRB usually at the Veteran A person who has rendered eligible war service under\napplicant’s request, but can be for any reason. Part II of the VEA.\ns152 adjournment Adjournment of a VRB hearing in order that the p\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Administrative+Decisions+%28Judicial+Review%29+Act+1977\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- es where a consent agreement was\nreached by the parties.\nCourt Decisions 2023-24\nWhile there is no direct right of appeal to the Federal Court from a decision of the VRB,\ndecisions are subject to review by the Federal Court under the Administrative Decisions\n(Judicial Review) Act 1977. One Federal Court decision was handed down in the reporting\nyear, Shafran v Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs [2024] FCA 621.\n24 Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 29]\nFreedom of information 2023–24\nIn 2023–24, we received three requests for access\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Compensation+Act+%28Defence-related+Claims%29+Act+1988\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- VRB’s history and a reinforcement of its independence.\nThe legislative reform also provides for expansion of the VRB’s remit, with the introduction\nof a single appeal pathway broadened to include service under the Safety, Rehabilitation\nand Compensation Act (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (the DRCA). For the first time,\nall veterans - regardless of their period of service - will be able to seek review by the VRB,\nproviding a holistic approach for those wishing to exercise their appeal rights.\nThe legislative reform provides an exciting opportu\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Defence-related Claims) Act 1988\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Defence-related+Claims%29+Act+1988\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- n was significantly broadened to enable the VRB to\ndriven by the increase in primary claims lodged with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. review determinations made under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation\nThis number of applications in a decade. (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA). During the reporting year71.2 per cent of\napplications were made in relation to the MRCA (2840), 26.3 per cent in relation to\nWe successfully managed this growing caseload, finalising more cases overall than\nthe VEA (1050) and 2.5 per cent in relation\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### VEA). the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: medium\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=VEA%29.+the+Veterans%E2%80%99+Entitlements+Act+1986\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- st effective and efficient way.\nI am pleased to present to you the 2024–25 Annual Report of\nThe law that establishes the VRB and governs our operations is the\nthe Veterans’ Review Board, as required by subsection 215(4) of\nVeterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (the VEA).\nthe Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.\nYours sincerely,\nAbout this report\nEach year we must give the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence\nPersonnel a report, as required under the VEA. It provides an account of our activities\nfrom 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.\nThis report is pre\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### SRCA Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 2\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=SRCA+Safety%2C+Rehabilitation+and+Compensation+Act+1988\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- e). It is paid if the person is blind due to accepted\ndisabilities, or if the person meets certain tests concerning\nincapacity for work. One of these tests involves being\nunable to do more than 8 hours of remunerative work a\nweek due to accepted disabilities.\nSRCA Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.\n68 Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 73]\nTelephone hearing A VRB hearing conducted by telephone between a VRB\nhearing room and another location.\nVEA Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.\nVeteran A person who has rendered eligible war service under Part II\nof the VEA.\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- of the Repatriation Commission.\ntests involves being unable to do more than 8 hours of\ns37 documents Documents prepared by the decision–maker for the remunerative work a week due to accepted disabilities.\npurpose of an AAT review (also called ‘T–documents’).\nSRCA Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.\ns137 report Documents prepared by DVA for the purpose of a VRB\nTelephone hearing A VRB hearing conducted by telephone between a VRB\nreview. s148(1) letter Letter sent to an applicant by the\nhearing room and another location.\nVRB seeking advice concerning how\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### War Repatriation Act 1917\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 2\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=War+Repatriation+Act+1917\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- ppeal Ex–service The first external\nreview of veterans’ to a Board came organisations appeals tribunals\npensions and into existence in the complain about – the War Pensions\nentitlements was Australian Soldiers the absence of an Entitlement and\nincluded in the War Repatriation Act 1917 independent right of Appeals Tribunals are\nPensions Act 1914 appeal. established by the\nAustralian Soldiers\nRepatriation Act 1920.\n2011 2012 2014 2015\nThe VRB starts its The VRB releases The VRB launches two The VRB introduces\ndigital transformation a handboo\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n- patriation was established by the expanded to include appeals\nand entitlements was in the Australian Soldiers absence of an independent Entitlement and Appeals to deal with an influx Review Tribunal. Repatriation Legislation under the Military\nincluded in the War Repatriation Act 1917 right of appeal. Tribunals are established of applications at the Amendment Act 1984. Rehabilitation and Compensation\nPensions Act 1914 by the Australian Soldiers conclusion of World War 2. Act 2004.\nRepatriation Act 1920.\n2011 2012 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Australian Soldiers Repatriation Act 1920\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Australian+Soldiers+Repatriation+Act+1920\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- nd into existence in the complain about – the War Pensions\nentitlements was Australian Soldiers the absence of an Entitlement and\nincluded in the War Repatriation Act 1917 independent right of Appeals Tribunals are\nPensions Act 1914 appeal. established by the\nAustralian Soldiers\nRepatriation Act 1920.\n2011 2012 2014 2015\nThe VRB starts its The VRB releases The VRB launches two The VRB introduces\ndigital transformation a handbook for super registries in Alternative Dispute\nand parties are able advocates and Sydney and Brisbane, Resolution (ADR).\nto provide\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Case Appraisal Freedom of Information Act 1982\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Case+Appraisal+Freedom+of+Information+Act+1982\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- RB staff member who looks after the administrative\nmatters concerning an application for review. FOI Freedom of Information: the right to obtain documents\nfrom a Commonwealth Department or agency under the\nCase appraisal The Conference Registrar can request a Case Appraisal\nFreedom of Information Act 1982.\nbe conducted by a VRB member as part of the ADR\nprocess. It involves a VRB member examining an Liability matter A case under the MRCA concerning whether an injury,\napplication with a view to clarifying the issues, checking disease, or death is service–relate\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Freedom of Information Act 1982\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Freedom+of+Information+Act+1982\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- the VEA concerning whether an injury, disease,\nor death is war – or defence-caused.\nESO Ex-service organisation.\n66 Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 71]\nFOI Freedom of Information: the right to obtain documents from\na Commonwealth Department or agency under the Freedom\nof Information Act 1982.\nLiability matter A case under the MRCA concerning whether an injury,\ndisease, or death is service–related.\nMember A member of the VRB appointed by the Governor–General.\nMRCA Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.\nMRCC Military Rehabilitation and\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n### General. MRCA Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=General.+MRCA+Military+Rehabilitation+and+Compensation+Act+2004\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- btain documents from\na Commonwealth Department or agency under the Freedom\nof Information Act 1982.\nLiability matter A case under the MRCA concerning whether an injury,\ndisease, or death is service–related.\nMember A member of the VRB appointed by the Governor–General.\nMRCA Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.\nMRCC Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.\nNeutral Evaluation An option under the ADR process for the applicant to request\nthat a VRB member provides a non–binding opinion on the\nlikely outcome of a case.\nOnline Dispute Resolution An applicant\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n### MRCA Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=MRCA+Military+Rehabilitation+and+Compensation+Act+2004\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- ease, or death is service–related.\nthat the VRB has jurisdiction and that the applicant\nMember A member of the VRB appointed by the\nhas standing, checking sufficiency of information, and\nGovernor–General.\nreadiness for hearing and then providing a non-binding\nMRCA Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.\nopinion. This is requested to assist the parties to finalise\nthe application. MRCC Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission.\nClaimant A person who has made a claim for a pension (to DVA) or Neutral Evaluation An option under the ADR process for th\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Public Service Act 1999\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Public+Service+Act+1999\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- Legal Counsel. The National Registrar’s statutory function is to assist the\nPrincipal Member in managing the functions of the VRB across Australia.\n12 Veterans’ Review Board\n\n[page 17]\nStaff\nThe National Registrar is supported by VRB staff, employed under the Public Service Act\n1999 and made available by the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The\nVRB does not have any Senior Executive Service positions. At 30 June 2024, there were\n22.75 full time equivalent staff at the VRB. Staff are organized into two groups: client\nserv\n Source: `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl`\n\n### Rehabilitation and Compensation Pensions Act 1914\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=Rehabilitation+and+Compensation+Pensions+Act+1914\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- sence of an independent Entitlement and Appeals to deal with an influx Review Tribunal. Repatriation Legislation under the Military\nincluded in the War Repatriation Act 1917 right of appeal. Tribunals are established of applications at the Amendment Act 1984. Rehabilitation and Compensation\nPensions Act 1914 by the Australian Soldiers conclusion of World War 2. Act 2004.\nRepatriation Act 1920.\n2011 2012 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020\nThe VRB starts its The VRB releases a The VRB launches two The VRB introduces The VRB expands its ADR The VRB launches a new The VRB\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n### VRB’s Harmonisation) Act 2025\n\n**Type**: Act\n**Confidence**: low\n**Mentions**: 1\n**Register search**: https://www.legislation.gov.au/search?query=VRB%E2%80%99s+Harmonisation%29+Act+2025\n\n**Sources**:\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n**Evidence contexts**:\n- nd National Registrar\nA key feature of the reporting year was process for veterans, reduces the duplication\nthe passage of the Veterans’ Entitlements, of Commonwealth resources, improves\nTreatment and Support (Simplification and transparency, and enhances the VRB’s\nHarmonisation) Act 2025 (VETS Act); a independence in line with the principles of\nlandmark step in the reform of the legislative best-practice administrative review.\nframework for veterans’ rehabilitation and\n2. Expanded Jurisdiction to Include DRCA\ncompensation in Australia.\nMatter\n Source: `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl`\n\n## Files Scanned\n\n- `pages/about.html` (page)\n- `pages/annual-reports-index.html` (page)\n- `pages/annual-reports-index__00.html` (page)\n- `pages/annual-reports-index__01.html` (page)\n- `pages/annual-reports-index__02.html` (page)\n- `pages/contact.html` (page)\n- `pages/homepage.html` (page)\n- `pages/news-latest.html` (page)\n- `pages/publications-index.html` (page)\n- `annual-reports/2023-24.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)\n- `annual-reports/2024-25.pages.jsonl` (pdf_pages)", "global_initiatives_md": null, "strategy": { "reporting_period": "2024-25", "corporate_plan_period": "2025-26", "vision": "To deliver justice by listening to veterans and making high quality decisions in a timely, cost effective and efficient way. [AR p.2]", "vision_source_page": 2, "purposes": "To be an innovative and responsive tribunal that provides a specialist service to meet the unique needs of the veteran community. [AR p.2]", "purposes_source_page": 2, "how_we_deliver": "We are a specialist, high volume tribunal that is innovative and responsive to its users. We seek to improve access to justice for all veterans, current serving members and their families by resolving applications at the earliest possible opportunity in a cost effective and efficient way. [AR p.2]", "how_we_deliver_source_page": 2, "government_priorities": [ { "text": "Direct Lodgement of Applications", "source_page": null }, { "text": "Expanded Jurisdiction to Include DRCA Matters", "source_page": null } ], "outcomes": [ { "name": "Outcome 1: Accessible and timely review", "description": "To provide a mechanism of review that is accessible, fair, just, economical, informal, quick and proportionate to the importance and complexity of a matter, and promotes public trust and confidence in the decision-making of the VRB. [AR p.10]", "key_activities": [ "Online Dispute Resolution", "Dispute Resolution (outreach, conference or appraisal) or a VRB hearing" ], "source_page": 10 } ], "values": [ "Fairness", "professionalism", "integrity", "impartiality", "independence", "efficiency", "accessibility", "respect for the service of all veterans" ], "values_framework_name": "VRB Values", "kpi_targets_2025_26": [ { "code": "CCE01", "measure": "Clearance rate", "target": "100%", "source_page": null }, { "code": "CCE02", "measure": "Dispute resolution rate", "target": "90%", "source_page": null }, { "code": "CCE03", "measure": "Time targets met", "target": "100%", "source_page": null } ], "kpi_results_2024_25": [ { "code": "CCE01", "measure": "Clearance rate", "result": "88%", "status": "Partially achieved", "source_page": null }, { "code": "CCE02", "measure": "Dispute resolution rate", "result": "85%", "status": "Achieved", "source_page": null }, { "code": "CCE03", "measure": "Time targets met", "result": "100%", "status": "Achieved", "source_page": null } ], "_source_urls": { "annual_report_url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "corporate_plan_url": "" } }, "ideas": [ { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Case Processing", "scale": "small", "title": "Triage queue for stuck or ageing cases", "idea": "Use existing case data to flag ageing, duplicate, incomplete, or high-risk cases for earlier intervention.", "quote": "Target Results\n4.3 months.\n• ADR applications: average  Target met: on average, applications in the\nnumber of applications ADR program were finalised within 3.6 months.\nfinalised within 6 months\nNumber of applications finalised\n• All applications: average  Target met: on average all applications were\nThis is an indicator of how the VRB is carrying out its role of delivering justice for\nnumber of applications finalised in 4.3 months.\nveterans, current serving members and their families.\nfinalised within 12 months\nThe VRB continued to outperform time targets\ndespite a small increase in our processing times\nTargets Results\nand managed a growing caseload, finalizing\nmore cases overall than in the previous year.", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Applicants / case officers", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Case Processing", "scale": "large", "title": "End-to-end case processing redesign", "idea": "Redesign the case pathway around risk-based triage, reusable evidence, and automated eligibility checks.", "quote": "Target Results\n4.3 months.\n• ADR applications: average  Target met: on average, applications in the\nnumber of applications ADR program were finalised within 3.6 months.\nfinalised within 6 months\nNumber of applications finalised\n• All applications: average  Target met: on average all applications were\nThis is an indicator of how the VRB is carrying out its role of delivering justice for\nnumber of applications finalised in 4.3 months.\nveterans, current serving members and their families.\nfinalised within 12 months\nThe VRB continued to outperform time targets\ndespite a small increase in our processing times\nTargets Results\nand managed a growing caseload, finalizing\nmore cases overall than in the previous year.", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Applicants / case officers", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Staff Productivity", "scale": "small", "title": "Reusable briefing and summary assistant for internal documents", "idea": "Create controlled templates for summarising reports, submissions, minutes, and ministerial briefs.", "quote": "Total 1 100%\nJob Classification NSW Staff QLD Staff Senior Member Number %\nAPS Level 4 4.0 4.23 Female 2 18.1%\nAPS Level 5 2..0 0 Male 9 81.9%\nAPS Level 6 4.0 1\nTotal 11 100%\nExecutive Level 1 3.0 + 1.0 in Melbourne 2.0\nServices Member Number %\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nFemale 6 42.9%\nMale 9 57.1%\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nTotal 15 100%\nAt 30 June 2025, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement.", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "APS staff / executives", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Sensitive information leakage", "Inconsistent quality of generated drafts" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Staff Productivity", "scale": "large", "title": "Department-wide knowledge and briefing platform", "idea": "Build a secure knowledge platform that lets staff search, summarise, and cite approved departmental material.", "quote": "Total 1 100%\nJob Classification NSW Staff QLD Staff Senior Member Number %\nAPS Level 4 4.0 4.23 Female 2 18.1%\nAPS Level 5 2..0 0 Male 9 81.9%\nAPS Level 6 4.0 1\nTotal 11 100%\nExecutive Level 1 3.0 + 1.0 in Melbourne 2.0\nServices Member Number %\nExecutive Level 2 1 0\nFemale 6 42.9%\nMale 9 57.1%\nEmployment agreements and arrangements for staff\nTotal 15 100%\nAt 30 June 2025, all on-going staff were covered by the Department’s Enterprise\nAgreement.", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "APS staff / executives", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Sensitive information leakage", "Inconsistent quality of generated drafts" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Data & Performance", "scale": "small", "title": "KPI evidence register with named owners", "idea": "Create a simple register mapping each KPI to source data, owner, frequency, target, and last result.", "quote": "Target Results\n4.3 months.\n• ADR applications: average  Target met: on average, applications in the\nnumber of applications ADR program were finalised within 3.6 months.\nfinalised within 6 months\nNumber of applications finalised\n• All applications: average  Target met: on average all applications were\nThis is an indicator of how the VRB is carrying out its role of delivering justice for\nnumber of applications finalised in 4.3 months.\nveterans, current serving members and their families.\nfinalised within 12 months\nThe VRB continued to outperform time targets\ndespite a small increase in our processing times\nTargets Results\nand managed a growing caseload, finalizing\nmore cases overall than in the previous year.", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / Parliament / public", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Data & Performance", "scale": "large", "title": "Outcome dashboard linking budget, delivery, and public impact", "idea": "Build a public-facing outcome dashboard showing spend, outputs, outcomes, and delivery confidence.", "quote": "Target Results\n4.3 months.\n• ADR applications: average  Target met: on average, applications in the\nnumber of applications ADR program were finalised within 3.6 months.\nfinalised within 6 months\nNumber of applications finalised\n• All applications: average  Target met: on average all applications were\nThis is an indicator of how the VRB is carrying out its role of delivering justice for\nnumber of applications finalised in 4.3 months.\nveterans, current serving members and their families.\nfinalised within 12 months\nThe VRB continued to outperform time targets\ndespite a small increase in our processing times\nTargets Results\nand managed a growing caseload, finalizing\nmore cases overall than in the previous year.", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / Parliament / public", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Citizen Services", "scale": "small", "title": "Plain-language service pages and proactive status updates", "idea": "Rewrite high-volume pages and letters into plain language, add status notifications, and measure contact reduction.", "quote": "[Page 7]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2023–24 2024-25\nClearance rate 100.7% 88%\nDispute resolution rate (including Online Dispute Resolution) 83.9% 85%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2023–24 2024-25 OVERVIEW OF THE VRB\nCompliments rate 1.37% 1.8%\nComplaint rate 0.2% 0.2%\nOur People 2023–24 2024-25\nMembers 41 38\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 22.75 22.23\nOur Finances 2023–24 2024-25\nOur budget 5,271 5,508\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2024–25\nWe improved access to justice We finalised more applications We continued to outperform time\nresolving more than 85% of all this year (3505) than last year targets and managed a higher\napplications using dispute resolution. (3054). caseload.", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Citizens / service users", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Digital exclusion", "Low public trust if feedback is not acted on" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Citizen Services", "scale": "large", "title": "Single front door for life-event based services", "idea": "Bundle services around life events so citizens can complete related steps across agencies in one journey.", "quote": "[Page 7]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2023–24 2024-25\nClearance rate 100.7% 88%\nDispute resolution rate (including Online Dispute Resolution) 83.9% 85%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2023–24 2024-25 OVERVIEW OF THE VRB\nCompliments rate 1.37% 1.8%\nComplaint rate 0.2% 0.2%\nOur People 2023–24 2024-25\nMembers 41 38\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 22.75 22.23\nOur Finances 2023–24 2024-25\nOur budget 5,271 5,508\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2024–25\nWe improved access to justice We finalised more applications We continued to outperform time\nresolving more than 85% of all this year (3505) than last year targets and managed a higher\napplications using dispute resolution. (3054). caseload.", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Citizens / service users", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Digital exclusion", "Low public trust if feedback is not acted on" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Risk & Assurance", "scale": "small", "title": "Recommendation tracker for audits, reviews, and inquiries", "idea": "Publish a single internal tracker for audit/review recommendations, owners, due dates, and implementation evidence.", "quote": "VRB Publications\nAll Annual Reports\nAll Practice notes\nAll Verbosity editions\nAnnual Reports\nAnnual Report 2024-25\nAnnual Report 2023-24\nAnnual Report 2022-23\nAnnual Report 2021-22\nAnnual Report 2020-21\nAnnual Report 2019-20\nAnnual Report 2018-19\nAnnual Report 2017-18\nVeRBosity\nA guide to appearing before the VRB - for self-represented veterans and representatives\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2012\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2006\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2003", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / assurance teams", "source": "pages/publications-index.html (http://www.vrb.gov.au/vrb-publications)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Regulatory capture", "Over-automation of judgement" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Risk & Assurance", "scale": "large", "title": "Integrated assurance and lessons-learned system", "idea": "Create an assurance system that connects audit findings, risk registers, delivery reviews, and investment decisions.", "quote": "VRB Publications\nAll Annual Reports\nAll Practice notes\nAll Verbosity editions\nAnnual Reports\nAnnual Report 2024-25\nAnnual Report 2023-24\nAnnual Report 2022-23\nAnnual Report 2021-22\nAnnual Report 2020-21\nAnnual Report 2019-20\nAnnual Report 2018-19\nAnnual Report 2017-18\nVeRBosity\nA guide to appearing before the VRB - for self-represented veterans and representatives\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2012\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2006\nVeRBosity Special Issue 2003", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Executives / assurance teams", "source": "pages/publications-index.html (http://www.vrb.gov.au/vrb-publications)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Regulatory capture", "Over-automation of judgement" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Citizen Participation", "scale": "small", "title": "Consultation feedback summaries with response tracking", "idea": "Summarise consultation submissions by theme and publish what changed in response.", "quote": "[Page 7]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2023–24 2024-25\nClearance rate 100.7% 88%\nDispute resolution rate (including Online Dispute Resolution) 83.9% 85%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2023–24 2024-25 OVERVIEW OF THE VRB\nCompliments rate 1.37% 1.8%\nComplaint rate 0.2% 0.2%\nOur People 2023–24 2024-25\nMembers 41 38\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 22.75 22.23\nOur Finances 2023–24 2024-25\nOur budget 5,271 5,508\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2024–25\nWe improved access to justice We finalised more applications We continued to outperform time\nresolving more than 85% of all this year (3505) than last year targets and managed a higher\napplications using dispute resolution. (3054). caseload.", "impact": "High", "effort": "Low", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Citizens / stakeholders / policy teams", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Pick one high-volume process or document family.", "Name an owner and baseline current volume, time, cost, and satisfaction.", "Run a 4-8 week pilot with clear before/after metrics.", "Publish lessons and decide whether to scale." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Digital exclusion", "Low public trust if feedback is not acted on" ] }, { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "category": "Citizen Participation", "scale": "large", "title": "Always-on policy participation platform", "idea": "Create a standing participation platform where citizens and stakeholders can propose, vote, and track ideas.", "quote": "[Page 7]\nDelivering justice: a snapshot\nOur services 2023–24 2024-25\nClearance rate 100.7% 88%\nDispute resolution rate (including Online Dispute Resolution) 83.9% 85%\nTime targets met  \nFeedback on our services 2023–24 2024-25 OVERVIEW OF THE VRB\nCompliments rate 1.37% 1.8%\nComplaint rate 0.2% 0.2%\nOur People 2023–24 2024-25\nMembers 41 38\nStaff (full time equivalent employees) 22.75 22.23\nOur Finances 2023–24 2024-25\nOur budget 5,271 5,508\nAt a glance\nHighlights 2024–25\nWe improved access to justice We finalised more applications We continued to outperform time\nresolving more than 85% of all this year (3505) than last year targets and managed a higher\napplications using dispute resolution. (3054). caseload.", "impact": "Very High", "effort": "High", "proof": "Evidence-backed", "beneficiaries": "Citizens / stakeholders / policy teams", "source": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf (http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf)", "implementation": [ "Create a senior responsible owner and cross-functional delivery team.", "Map legislation, data, privacy, procurement, cyber, and workforce constraints.", "Co-design with users and frontline staff before technology selection.", "Stage delivery through pilots, benefits tracking, and public reporting." ], "risks": [ "Privacy and data quality", "Change fatigue", "Unclear accountability", "Digital exclusion", "Low public trust if feedback is not acted on" ] } ], "legislation_administered": [], "artifacts": [ { "category": "annual-reports", "year": "2024-25", "url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "file": "annual-reports/2024-25.pdf", "bytes": 20481638, "link_text": "VRB Annual Report 2024-25" }, { "category": "annual-reports", "year": "2023-24", "url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/annual-report-2023-24.pdf", "file": "annual-reports/2023-24.pdf", "bytes": 7621900, "link_text": "Annual Report 2023-24" } ], "_meta": { "snapshot_built_at": "2026-05-13T11:03:07+00:00", "strategy_brief_meta": { "model": "nova-micro", "folder": "Veterans-Review-Board", "annual_report": { "file": "annual-reports\\2024-25.txt", "url": "http://www.vrb.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-11/vrb-annual-report-2024-25.pdf", "year": "2024-25" }, "corporate_plan": { "file": null, "url": "", "year": null }, "usage": { "input_tokens": 21763, "output_tokens": 744, "total_tokens": 22507, "model": "nova-micro" }, "cost_usd": 0.0008658650000000002, "elapsed_seconds": 18.56, "generated_at": "2026-05-13T04:13:08+00:00" }, "ideas_manifest": { "entity_id": "B-003959", "entity_name": "Veterans' Review Board", "folder_name": "Veterans-Review-Board", "generated_at": "2026-05-09T23:05:55.915454+00:00", "idea_count": 12, "markdown": "ideas/Veterans-Review-Board_ideas.md", "jsonl": "ideas/ideas.jsonl", "inputs": [ "Veterans-Review-Board_strategy-overview.md", "strategy-evidence.json", "global-intelligence/source-manifest.json" ] }, "global_intel_meta": null } }