Join us for a comprehensive two hour panel session will give practitioners and advocates an opportunity to learn all about the imminent changes to Australia’s military compensation schemes, with substantial amendments made to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 and the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 to commence on 1 July 2026. Attendees will hear directly from legal and policy experts in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including through an interactive panel session facilitated by an expert in military compensation law. The session will cover the changes, what they mean for different cohorts, examples and case studies, and the all-important transitional and grandparenting arrangements. This session is essential for anyone who practices in, or has an interest in, the area of military compensation.
FRANK WHITE
ACTING GENERAL COUNSEL 
LEGAL ADVICE AND LEGISLATION BRANCH I DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Frank White is acting General Counsel in the Legal Advice and Legislation Branch at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Frank started out as a graduate with DVA in 2008, and has worked in a range of roles, primarily in the Department’s legal area. From 2022 to 2024, he was embedded as a lawyer in the Legislation Reform Branch, supporting the drafting and passage of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (VETS Act).
LUKE BROWN
FIRST ASSISTANT SECRETARY
POLICY AND RESEARCH DIVISION I DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS
Luke joined DVA in 2005 and has held the positions of Assistant Secretary Benefit Policy Branch, Assistant Secretary Governance and Security, Assistant Secretary Business Improvement and Quality Assurance, and Assistant Secretary Legislative Reform. In 2012 he was seconded to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as a senior adviser in the Legal Policy Branch. Luke moved home from Canberra to Hobart in 2017 to take up the additional position of Deputy Commissioner – Tasmania. Luke was promoted to First Assistant Secretary, Policy and Research Division, in March 2024. He
holds degrees in Law with Honours and Political Science with Honours.
BEN MASON
PARTNER
MORAY & AGNEW
Ben has helped shape the military compensation landscape for nearly 25 years, including through his involvement in a number of significant appeals concerning military compensation legislation and more recently by assisting with the drafting of legislative instruments required to support the new scheme from 1 July 2026. He has served on the Military Law Committee for the past 10 years and is the current Chair of the Public Law Committee. Ben is an accredited specialist in Government and Administrative Law.
DETAILS
- When: Thursday 26 March 2026, 3:00pm - 5:30pm (registration from 2:30pm)
- Where: ACT Law Society Training Room, live streaming option available
- Cost: $150 Members, $210 Non-member, $50 Student member
- CPD: Members will earn 2 CPD points in core area 4
- RSVP by Thursday 19 March
- For further information please contact events@actlawsociety.asn.au
Reduced rates may be available to some of our members to ensure equal training opportunities. Please make contact to discuss your eligibility.
Event registration terms and conditions
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General
ACT Law Society invoices have payment terms of 14 days. Fees are payable upon registration. A 1.2% surcharge may be incurred on payments processed via credit/debit card. The Society reserves the right to cancel or alter events at its discretion, and in such circumstances, attendees will be notified via email.
Definitions — 'Registration' means any booking given to the Society in writing, on our website, or by phone. 'Member' means any member of the ACT Law Society, including associate members and honorary members. 'New Lawyer' means any member who has held a practising certificate for five years or less. 'CLC' means any member working for a recognised community legal centre, or holding a volunteer practising certificate. 'Student' means any member holding a student membership.
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Cancellation policy
All cancellations must be made in writing, and all cancellations will incur a fee, however, no charge will be incurred for substituting another person. Outside of the cancellation periods given below, a $10 administration fee will be incurred for any cancellation made. If a registered attendee fails to attend without notifying the Society in writing, no credit or refund will be offered and 100% of the total cost will be retained by the Society.
CPD Events — In the case of CPD events held at an venue other than the Law Society, no refund can be made after the RSVP date of the event. In the case of CPD events held at the Law Society, for cancellations made up to two working days prior to the event, 50% of the total cost will be retained by the Society as a cancellation fee and the balance may be used as a credit towards other CPD events or be refunded. If you choose to keep a credit it will remain valid for 12 months from the event date, after which time it will expire. For cancellations within two working days of the event, no refunds or credits will be applicable.
Webinars — In the case of live or on-demand webinars, as connection details are sent when registration is completed, no refund or cancellation is available.
Social events — In the case of social events, no refund can be made after the RSVP date of the event.
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Notice of Filming and Photography
Attendees of events consent to filming, photography and sound recording as members of the audience. By registering and attending this event you agree to being filmed or photographed which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes
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Dietary Requirements
The ACT Law Society and it's external providers for catering takes all precautionary steps to ensure dietary, religious and allergen requirements are met, however ACT Law Society cannot guarantee that allergens will not be present in selected and/or provided food.
Registration
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In-person Registration Options
In-person registration (members) $150.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart In-person registration (non-members) $210.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart In-person registration (student member) $50.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart -
Live Streaming Registration Options
Live streaming registration (member) $150.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Live streaming registration (non-member) $210.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart Live streaming registration (student member) $50.00(GST incl.) Add to Cart
Schedule
Speakers
Sponsors & Supporters
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