Australia is proud of our veterans - the men and women who signed up to the Australian Defence Force, prepared to put their lives on the line for our nation, our values, and our way of life.
We need to do more to respect and recognise our returned servicemen and women, including those who have been involved in the more recent chapters of our military history, such as the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If we ask men and women to risk all for our country, then it is beholden on our country to do everything we can for them.
The Liberal Nationals Government has a strong track record of delivering services and support for veterans and their families. Our Government provides more than $11 billion a year to support around 280,000 veterans and their families, widows and children. We will build on this record to ensure that their needs continue to be met for decades ahead.
A re-elected Morrison Government will:
• Ensure veterans and their families are cared for and supported through our record investments in mental health care and counselling for veterans and their families. This will remain uncapped and demand driven.
• Expand access to the DVA Gold Health Treatment Card from 1 July 2019 for members of the SEATO surgical and medical teams who served during the Vietnam War.
• Invest $30 million in a network of Veterans' Wellbeing Centres in partnership with ex-service organisations and state and territory Governments in Townsville, Darwin, Perth, Nowra, Adelaide and Wodonga.
• Digitise all Second World War service records, expand the Saluting their Service grants program and work with the PNG Government to commemorate the bonds between Australia and PNG from the Second World War, particularly around the Kokoda Track, as part of the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
• Ensure veterans find jobs after their service by expanding the Prime Minister's Veterans' Employment Program to invest $16.2 million into initiatives run by not-for-profit organisations that are helping veterans transition out of ADF service. We will support programs run by SoldierOn, Team Rubicon and the RSL.
• Exempt TPI veterans from the 'treatment cycle' requirement for exercise physiology and physiotherapy allied health services.
• Expand access to the Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme and the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme for veterans after they've completed their service.
• Recognise and remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families by rolling out our Australian Veterans' Card and Lapel Pin as part of the Australian Defence Veterans' Covenant, ensuring veterans are recognised in our community.
