The Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has established a set of guiding principles to assess proposals for innovative treatment programs. Endorsed by the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission on 5 August 2025, these principles aim to ensure that all proposals are evaluated consistently, transparently, and in alignment with the DVA’s commitment to high-quality care for veterans.
These guidelines are intended for providers developing evidence-based or evidence-informed treatment programs that show promise in addressing the specific health needs of veterans. The principles apply to a wide range of proposals, including clinical and community-based multimodal programs, as well as new models for delivering established treatments.
To be considered for funding, proposed programs must meet rigorous standards in several key areas:
- Evaluation: A transparent methodology must be in place to measure the program’s effectiveness and clinical outcomes.
- Clinical Governance: Proposals must demonstrate strong oversight and management of clinical practices.
- Cost-Effectiveness: A detailed analysis of the program’s costs and value for money is required.
It is important to note that meeting these guiding principles is a critical step in the assessment process, but does not guarantee funding. All proposals are also evaluated against other requirements, such as legislative and authority of the financing, and their alignment with the broader strategic priorities of the DVA.
