The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester has introduced a range of new services and entitlements for Australia’s veterans into Parliament.
“The measures will continue to ensure veterans and their families get the services and support they need,” Mr Chester said.
“Mental health continues to be a big issue in communities throughout the country and we provide free mental health care to anyone who has served for one day in the Australian Defence Force.”
He said a new Veteran Suicide Prevention pilot scheme would be established to deliver intensive and assertive management services to veterans following an attempted suicide or to those at significant risk of suicide.
“This pilot is about linking non-governmental and Government support services to support vulnerable veterans and their families and will be offered at nine public and private hospitals in Brisbane,” Mr Chester said.
“We want to encourage and support those studying with a view to getting them back into the workforce.”
He said thenew measures would remove the reduction in the amount of incapacity payment that normally occurs after 45 weeks for those undertaking approved full-time study as part of their rehabilitation plan.
He said this would mean veterans could focus on their study without having to worry about changes to their financial situation.
Mr Chester said the legislation would also enable the grandchildren of Vietnam veterans to be eligible to receive financial support to further their education.
“Families who have suffered the tragic loss of a partner and who are wholly dependent partners of veterans will have two years to decide whether to receive the compensation in periodic payments or as a lump sum, which is an increase from the current six months,” Mr Chester said.
