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The latest DVA updates bring news for veterans and current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Announced by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence, they cover service classification, the clearing of historical convictions, Australia’s first strategy for women veterans and higher fees for allied health providers. Several of them answer campaigns that veterans have fought for years.
What the DVA updates cover
- Butterworth service reclassified. The Australian Government will reclassify service at Butterworth, Malaysia, between 1970 and 1989 as non-warlike service, replacing the peacetime classification that Rifle Company Butterworth veterans have long fought to change. Announced on 9 October 2026, the decision accepts the recommendation of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal. It takes effect once the legislative instruments are registered, and may give access to additional entitlements and more favourable claims assessment for conditions linked to this service.
- Historical homosexual convictions extinguished. Since 6 October 2026, current and former ADF members have been able to apply to have historical convictions for consensual same-sex activity extinguished from their service records. A representative or someone with a special interest in the conviction can also apply, including family members on behalf of a veteran who has died. Extinguishment goes further than deleting a line from a file: in law, the conviction is treated as if it never happened. Until 1992, consensual homosexual activity could be prosecuted as a service offence, and the Defence discipline system was the last jurisdiction in Australia to offer such a scheme.
- First Women Veterans’ Strategy. Launched on 16 October 2026, Australia’s first Women Veterans’ Strategy (2026–2031) is a joint initiative of DVA and Defence. The government describes it as part of its continuing practical action to support and recognise women who have served. It was shaped by women veterans, ex-service organisations, researchers and service providers.
- Allied health fee increase. The 2026–27 Budget set aside $169.7 million over five years to raise the fees DVA pays allied health providers, including physiotherapists, psychologists and occupational therapists, from 1 July 2027. The government calls it the largest increase in more than 20 years. A $5,000 annual cap on allied health services, announced alongside it, was dropped in September after strong opposition from veterans and across Parliament. The fee increase is going ahead.
What happens next after these DVA updates
For Rifle Company Butterworth veterans, the new classification applies once the legislative instruments are registered. Keep an eye on future DVA updates for details on eligibility and claims, and hold on to any service records you have.
Anyone wishing to have a historical conviction extinguished can apply through the military justice section of the Defence website, where the application form is available. Family members can apply on behalf of a veteran who has died.
The higher allied health fees start on 1 July 2027. Providers and veterans can check DVA’s dental and allied health fee schedules page for the new rates as they are published.
Context
Most of these DVA updates follow long campaigns by veterans and their advocates. The Butterworth decision and the convictions scheme both put right old wrongs in how service has been classified and recorded. The Women Veterans’ Strategy and the fee increase look forward, aiming to make care easier to reach and better suited to the people who use it. The government has also committed to a formal apology to LGBTIQA+ personnel and veterans, which it expects to deliver later this year.
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General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting. If this news brings up difficult memories, Open Arms offers free, confidential counselling to current and former ADF members and their families on 1800 011 046.
Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs media releases, Minister for Defence Personnel media releases, DVA Women Veterans’ Strategy page
