An important update about the closure of this service

We are sad to advise the Defence and Veterans Legal Service will close at the end of September because it has not received ongoing funding from the Commonwealth.

In the lead-up to the closure, our top priority is to help existing clients resolve their legal issues and connect clients with other services where possible.

Service changes

As shown below, we are changing the way we deliver some services to manage the closure process.

From Monday 22 July

• We are unable to assist new clients with entitlements issues in an ongoing way. Instead, we will provide information to them about entitlements processes and connect them with other support where possible.
• We will continue to work with our existing clients on their entitlements matters.
• We will continue to provide advice about the Royal Commission and most other legal issues as usual.

From Monday 2 September

• Unfortunately, from 2 September we cannot take on new clients.
• We will continue to work with our existing clients on their existing matters to resolve their legal issue before the end of September or to connect them with alternative support where possible.

Enquiries about the Royal Commission

We anticipate the Royal Commission report will be released publicly in mid-September. Until 30 September, we can provide advice to clients who contact us with questions about the report and/or their submissions to the inquiry.

The Defence and Veterans Legal Service will permanently close on Monday 30 September.

Non-legal support

We know the closure of DAVLS might be distressing for some people. Find out more about support services that are available.