Mark Schroffel

May 9, 2024 | australianveterannews.com | Mark Schroffel

Australian Veteran News (AVN) has reached a pivotal moment. After years of dedicated service and impactful advocacy for Australian veterans and their families, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations. Launched with the vision to serve as an independent voice, AVN set out to address critical issues facing our community, notably advocating for a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Apr 30, 2024 | australianveterannews.com | Mark Schroffel

As the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide concludes, the swift legislative responses by the Albanese government are being scrutinised. Historical patterns show a continuum of Australian governments pledging substantial support and transformative changes for veterans that seldom materialise. Commissioner Nick Kaldas’s pressing calls for immediate and substantial action echo loudly against a backdrop of previous administrative failures.

Feb 4, 2024 | australianveterannews.com | Mark Schroffel

Documents disclosed to several news outlets, including Australian Veteran News, reveal serious concerns about the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). They suggest the DVA misled the Information Commissioner about improperly handling veterans’ medical and personal information within the Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services (MATES) program, a joint initiative with the University of South Australia (UniSA).

Nov 7, 2023 | australianveterannews.com | Mark Schroffel

The Returned and Services League (RSL) Australia has, over the past year, coordinated a series of National Forums for Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) with the intention of unifying the voices and efforts of various groups dedicated to veteran welfare.

Aug 27, 2023 | australianveterannews.com | Mark Schroffel

When the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide embarked on its Melbourne hearings, it marked another step in Australia's ongoing effort to address a complex and deeply concerning issue. This inquiry, initiated in 2021, was no spontaneous governmental decision but a product of consistent lobbying by veterans and advocacy groups.