This Act provides for compensation and other benefits to be provided for current and former members of the Defence Force who suffer a service injury or disease. The Act also provides for compensation and other benefits to be provided for the dependants of some deceased members.

Before most benefits can be paid or provided, the Commission must accept liability for an injury, disease or death of a current or former member under Chapter 2. Chapters 3 to 6 set out what the benefits are.

The procedure for dealing with claims under this Act is dealt with under Chapters 7 and 8. The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and the administration of the Act are dealt with in Chapters 9 to 11.

Provisions in this Act might be affected by the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004 .

A person who is entitled to a benefit under this Act might also be entitled to a pension, allowance or other benefit under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 . This might include the following:

               (a)     a service pension under Part III of that Act;

               (b)     treatment under Part V of that Act;

               (c)     veterans supplement, a Victoria Cross allowance or Income Support Supplement;

               (d)     a funeral benefit.