Vet Affairs Support Package
I have received this from several sources, as usual it is all over my head. Apart from a looming election, I would welcome interpretations of what this all means. MINISTER UNVEILS NEW VETERANS� SUPPORT PACKAGE WORTH MORE THAN $330 MILLION All veterans� affairs disability pensions will be indexed with reference to both the Consumer Price Index and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings from March 2008 as part of a comprehensive new $330 million-plus veterans� support package. The package was announced tonight at the RSL National Congress in Melbourne by Prime Minister John Howard. Minister for Veterans� Affairs Bruce Billson said the significant indexation measure will benefit 140,000 disability pensioners, including those on the Special Rate, Intermediate Rate and Extreme Disability Adjustment. �In addition, more than 13,500 veterans who receive the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) will receive a fortnightly increase of $15, from March 2008, to the Above General Rate component of their disability pension,� Mr Billson said. The Australian Government also recognises that the General Rate Table for �non economic loss� compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of function, resulting from an accepted service-related condition, has not been reviewed for some time, other than to be adjusted inline with movements in the CPI. �As a result, the entire General Rate Table will be increased by 5 per cent from March 2008. This initiative will deliver Above and 100 per cent General Rate recipients, including EDA veterans, a fortnightly boost of $20 from March 2008, also adjusted by the more beneficial indexation method,� Mr Billson said. �Our veterans community can also be assured that it will continue to enjoy the dedicated support and assistance of a properly resourced, stand-alone Department of Veterans� Affairs. This includes the continued operation of DVA VAN offices in major population centres across metropolitan and regional Australia,� Mr Billson said. �I am delighted to have been able to secure this substantial package of additional benefits and support measures, developed in collaboration with the veterans� community. These enhancements respect and honour the long established principles of our world-class repatriation system, and again demonstrate, in a practical and meaningful way, our special duty to those who have served our nation.� Media inquiries: Cameron Hill 0408 239 521 ---------------------------------
I have received this from several sources, as usual it is all over my head. Apart from a looming election, I would welcome interpretations of what this all means. MINISTER UNVEILS NEW VETERANS� SUPPORT PACKAGE WORTH MORE THAN $330 MILLION All veterans� affairs disability pensions will be indexed with reference to both the Consumer Price Index and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings from March 2008 as part of a comprehensive new $330 million-plus veterans� support package. The package was announced tonight at the RSL National Congress in Melbourne by Prime Minister John Howard. Minister for Veterans� Affairs Bruce Billson said the significant indexation measure will benefit 140,000 disability pensioners, including those on the Special Rate, Intermediate Rate and Extreme Disability Adjustment. �In addition, more than 13,500 veterans who receive the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) will receive a fortnightly increase of $15, from March 2008, to the Above General Rate component of their disability pension,� Mr Billson said. The Australian Government also recognises that the General Rate Table for �non economic loss� compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of function, resulting from an accepted service-related condition, has not been reviewed for some time, other than to be adjusted inline with movements in the CPI. �As a result, the entire General Rate Table will be increased by 5 per cent from March 2008. This initiative will deliver Above and 100 per cent General Rate recipients, including EDA veterans, a fortnightly boost of $20 from March 2008, also adjusted by the more beneficial indexation method,� Mr Billson said. �Our veterans community can also be assured that it will continue to enjoy the dedicated support and assistance of a properly resourced, stand-alone Department of Veterans� Affairs. This includes the continued operation of DVA VAN offices in major population centres across metropolitan and regional Australia,� Mr Billson said. �I am delighted to have been able to secure this substantial package of additional benefits and support measures, developed in collaboration with the veterans� community. These enhancements respect and honour the long established principles of our world-class repatriation system, and again demonstrate, in a practical and meaningful way, our special duty to those who have served our nation.� Media inquiries: Cameron Hill 0408 239 521 ---------------------------------