Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I can advise the senator that DVA does continue to investigate all available sources of evidence to support claims relating to incidents of abuse, and that does include potential use of those DVA claims to identify clusters of abuse. However, I am advised that it is likely that any data prior to 2012 will have limited value in identifying historical claims relating to abuse because the claims processing was based on medical conditions rather than events, which does not therefore necessarily identify an abuse context. DVA does advise me that it encourages any individuals who have had their claim rejected to relodge it if they believe they have further evidence available which may help to substantiate it. I also wanted to add, if I may, for the senator's information, that DVA has also established a specific dedicated team in the Melbourne office to receive and manage all new claims which relate to sexual harassment, assault and physical assault.