MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
DVA’S COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATION NOT QUESTIONED BY
OMBUDSMAN
Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Ed Killesteyn, has today clarified
incorrect reporting arising from the Parliamentary Inquiry into F-111 Deseal/Reseal Workers and
their Families by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
In 2007, the Commonwealth Ombudsman examined the Department’s administration of the ex
gratia payment scheme for eligible participants of the F-111 Deseal/Reseal program. Given the
ex gratia scheme was not compensation, the only avenue of review for unsuccessful applicants
is through the Ombudsman.
On reviewing claims, the Ombudsman found deficiencies in the scheme’s record keeping and
administrative functions—criticisms the Department accepted and rectified. The Ombudsman
was satisfied with the Department’s response and took no further action.
Administration of the Deseal/Reseal ex gratia scheme should be considered against a
background of sometimes imperfect information and recollection of events that occurred more
than 30 years ago. This was balanced by an assessment team, including highly experienced
Air Force officers, who went to great lengths to secure evidence to support applications within
the specific policy criteria laid down by the former government.
The Ombudsman did not question the Department’s decisions made on individual claims for ex
gratia payment, indeed, the Ombudsman’s view was that the “agency had not acted
unreasonably” in its decision making.
The Ombudsman did not examine the Department’s processing of more than 26,000
compensation claims it receives each year. In yesterday’s hearing, the Acting Ombudsman
confirmed that the criticism did not apply to the Department’s processing of compensation
claims.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the Ombudsman’s comments relate specifically to the ex-
gratia scheme and not the overall administration of compensation claims by DVA,” Mr Killesteyn
said.
“The Department and its staff are committed to ensuring all clients receive their rightful
entitlements and their dedication to supporting veterans and ex serving personnel is
unquestionable.”
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Kym Connolly 02 6289 6203
NEWS 
