10/04/2026
Transport for Treatment – increasing costs.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is monitoring the emerging situation of fuel price increases and potential impacts on veterans eligible for travel for treatment covered by their Veteran Card.
For veterans who typically use their private vehicle for travel, there are alternatives to accessing treatment which may mitigate concerns regarding increasing fuel costs. These includes full reimbursement of taxi, rideshare, community transport and public transport fares. Full reimbursement is not capped and is inclusive of fares that may increase as a result of increased fuel prices.
Veterans who travel using DVA’s Booked Car with Driver service, which is a door-to-door service for veterans who are older or more vulnerable, continue to travel with no out-of-pocket expenses. To book this service eligible Veteran Card holders can:
book online using MyService (preferred) for detailed steps on how to book transport online, refer to the How to book transport in MyService | Department of Veterans' Affairs, or call 1800 550 455.
Private vehicle allowances are set by legislation. Any change to increase the per kilometre rate is outside of the legislation and would require a coordinated decision of government.
The DVA website has been updated with information on alternative travel options - https://www.dva.gov.au/what-we-help-with/health-support/travel-for-treatment
Peak Body Community Information Session – 08 April 2026 from 1600-1700 AEST.
Please also find attached the National ESO Peak Body Community Information Session flyer. The objective is to continue to build support and consensus on the design and implementation options for the Peak Body’s form and function, and gather participant views on its structure, governance, and funding model.
The external attendee Teams link can be found in the attached flyer. The online session will be recorded so that the views of participants can be captured, and an FAQs document can be prepared and published after the event.
Please encourage members of your organisation and broader community to attend and share their views on how a Peak Body might improve coordination and collaboration across the ESO sector and broader support ecosystem to better support veterans and families.
Michael Harper
Deputy Commissioner Victoria
Assistant Secretary | Initial Liability Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Tel: 03 9475 5368
[email protected]
www.dva.gov.au
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