Training and Information Program (TIP)
A partnership of ex-service organisations and the Department
of Veterans' Affairs providing training for Pensions/Welfare
Officers and Advocates who assist the veteran community.
What is TIP all about?
The Training and Information Program came about as a result of
budget initiatives in 1993 and 1994 to provide funding for the
proper training of advocates and pension/welfare officers so they
in turn could assist their fellow veterans and their dependants
to obtain benefits through the Department of Veterans' Affairs
(DVA).
What is the TIP mission?
To do the right thing, the right way, the first time -
TOGETHER.
Who runs TIP?
It is a partnership between Ex-Service Organisations (ESO) and
Veterans' Affairs. Each State has a TIP Consultative Group
which consists of representatives of ESOs and DVA.
What does the TIP Consultative Group (TIPCG) do?
the TIPCG plans and delivers, or arranges the conduct of
training in each State. The Group decides where training
will be held, monitors and evaluates that training for its
effectiveness, manages the TIP budget for that State, and offers
suggestions on other matters relating to policy or procedures in
respect of appeals, claims etc. It ensures that there is
equity in training for all Pension/Welfare Officers and Advocates
of ESOs.
What has TIP done so far?
Training - to March 1997, about 1300 participants have
attended some 60 courses presented under TIP.
Repatriation Handbook - this handbook for Pension/Welfare
Officers has been compiled through TIP. It is provided to
each person attending a course who is the nominated
representative for an ESO.
National Training Modules - a comprehensive set of training
modules has been developed and produced through TIP for national
use. This ensures the availability of a consistently high
standard of course content and material to trainers and achieves
a high standard of training throughout Australia. Several
videos have also been produced for use in training.
Indemnity Insurance - through a TIP related initiative, the Veterans' Indemnity and Training Association
has arranged professional Indemnity Insurance cover for ESO
practitioners.
The Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia is a member of
VITA, and fully supports its objectives. TIP accredited
Pensions/Welfare Officers and Advocates who are authorised by
VVAA State and Sub-Branches to represent the VVAA are insured by
VITA and bound by the ethical and behavioural standards imposed
by the Training and Information Program.
Where are TIP Training activities held?
A calendar of TIP training activities is prepared each year by
the TIPCG and is promoted through ESOs and DVA. Training
courses are held in regional centres, as well as capital
cities. Requests for training courses to be run in rural or
regional centres can be submitted to the TIPCG for consideration
in preparing the training calendar.
What type of training does TIP conduct?
Pension Officer's course - A
two day workshop covering subjects that interest
both the Pension and Welfare Officer. These
include income support pensions, disability and
war widow pensions, appeals, treatment, Defence
Service Homes, the Veterans' Affairs Network
(VAN),, and Health and Community Services.
Course attendance criteria: Open to ESO and
community representatives who are involved, or are
about to be involved in assisting veterans, widows
and their dependants, and need to access broadly
based and accurate information. |
Welfare Officer's course - A
two day workshop with special emphasis on welfare,
health and community support topics.
Course attendance criteria: Open to those who are
presently, or about to be, involved in welfare
support roles for members of the veteran community |
Case Officer's course - A two
day workshop covering in more detail,
compensation, disability pension matters including
preparation of claims, application of the
Statement of Principle (SOPs), Guide to Assessment
of Rates of Pension (GARP), the Appeals process,
and in particular, internal reviews under Section
31.
Course attendance criteria: Open to those who have
attended the basic Pension Officer's training,
with experience as practitioners and who wish to
become involved in the review process. |
Advocacy Skills course - A
three day workshop covering Advocacy skills for
those preparing and presenting appeals at the Veterans' Review Board and the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Course attendance criteria: Open to those who have
attended a Case Officer's course, gained
experience as a practitioner and who wish to
present cases at the VRB/AAT level. |
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Moot - A one to two day activity which takes
in a mock hearing at the AAT with participants
having an active role in the proceedings.
Course attendance criteria: Open to advocates and
case officers who have indicated an interest in
becoming advocates. |
| AAT Level Advocacy course -
This is training for advocates at the AAT
level. It is a six day residential workshop
conducted under the auspices of the University of
Canberra. Attendance is by invitation. |
How can I attend TIP training?
When a Pension/Welfare Officer course is to be held in a
particular regional centre, advice is sent to all ESOs and
selected community organisations within the catchment area of
that centre.
Further information about TIP training
Contact the TIP Administrative Support Officer at DVA in your
State.
Acknowledgment
The information contained in this page is based exclusively on
the Training and Information Program brochure prepared by the NSW
State Office of the DVA.
|
