The Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2021 has found that 496,276 Australians are now ADF veterans, and 15,300 of those were men conscripted. So undoubtedly the majority of veterans have chosen to give their life to defend our country, Australia.

Sadly though, veteran’s choices are restricted on so many issues, and on 11 August 2022, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide released its Interim Report. For those not familiar with that report, I strongly suggest that you read the report.

I list the first three recommendations:

1. Simplify and harmonise veteran compensation and rehabilitation legislation.

2. Eliminate the claims backlog.

3. Improve the administration of the claims system.

Simply put the DVA is bogged down with a backlog of claims and more veterans now are suffering unnecessarily through no faut of their own. The sad result is that more suicides are likely to occur before the final report is completed and the DVA will continue to struggle with its workload for some time to come.

As a veteran I too have experienced the delays in the DVA Claims process, but I propose a small and simple change to help the wellbeing of others with respect to orthopedic footwear available to DVA Veterans. Having recently been for a fitting prior to obtaining DVA provided shoes I quickly became aware of the limited range of choices and styles available. Some of the single supplier DVA approved shoes were reminiscent of what my grandmother would have worn, and demeaning to most veterans, especially the younger ones.

All veterans be they young or old do not need to be further stigmatised by the appearance of their shoes. Nor should they be further traumatised by the lack of contemporary dress or sporting shoes that they can choose from, to retain a sense of pride in their appearance. One simple change can unquestionably put a lot of smiles on many faces. The ability to choose the style and appearance of the shoes that they wear can do just that and believe me many veterans do need something to smile about. They chose to defend our country and for God’s sake give them the ability to choose the style and type of footwear that they can be happy with, and not be restricted in choices by the DVA sole supplier option!

From research that I have done the current range of orthopedic footwear provided by DVA is very limited in comparison to what is available on the world market, and perhaps as much as double the price of some other well-known and trusted brands. Effectively without costing more money, this simple change of sourcing could deliver two pair of shoes to our veterans for the price of one, with the added benefit of satisfaction in choosing shoes that they both want and like! ? It is hard to be angry or depressed when you are smiling.

This change of DVA business practice is by no means insurmountable, and with the assistance of one or more caring Federal Politicians this change could happen before Christmas 2023, and this is way ahead of the Royal Commission Final Report which is due on 17 June 2024. Can we give all veterans who need this type of footwear a much-needed Christmas present?

One DVA option

A much better-looking Dr Comfort shoe.

A Sports shoe.