After the Defense, Veterans and Families Acute Assistance Package Bill 2022, passed by the Senate on 28 September, Australian Defense Force families and veterans undergoing rehabilitation and full-time study will receive higher benefits payments. continue to receive.
The scheme, which expired in July 2022, will be extended to July 2023, with the August and September dates backdated.
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keough said: said in parliament On August 3, the center-left Labor government said it was “committed to continuously improving and adapting to the needs of current defense personnel, veterans and families”.
“For most veteran families, military service is a very positive experience. there is.
“The Australian community has a clear expectation that veterans and their families will be well cared for.
Nationals deputy leader Perrin Davey said political leaders recognize that governments don’t always have the best record in caring for veterans.
“We know we don’t have the best record when it comes to supporting veterans, and we know we need to improve,” said Davey.
Greens Sen. David Shoebridge said the payments would help veterans get their lives and careers back on track.
“We have seen the scale of injuries suffered by veterans, too often psychological injuries caused by some of the brutal conditions in which they served,” he said. I got
Schemes generally limit payments to 45 weeks, but continue at full cost if the member is engaged in an approved rehabilitation program.
In addition, full-time study is considered part of veterans’ rehabilitation and helps ensure better employment outcomes after service.
The bill also extends eligibility for assistance packages to family members of working-age veterans, requiring the veterans to have undertaken war-like services. Veterans are also eligible for incapacity coverage, such as compensation for service-related physical or mental health conditions.
ADF FAMILY RECEIVES ASSISTANCE
ADF families also benefit from a support package through an initiative that provides at-risk veteran families access to services of up to $12,500 over two years.
ADF Families can access services up to $7,500 in the first year and up to $5,000 in the second year. Families with children also have access to additional support services at $10,000 per year for each preschool age child and $5,000 per year. Up to high school students per child before entering elementary school.
Keogh said the federal government estimates that about 430 families and 450 widowed partners will benefit from the package in the first year.
“Families contribute significantly to the health and well-being of members of the Australian Defense Force throughout their careers, transitions from service and life beyond the military,” said Keogh.
The role of families may be essential in the treatment and recovery of sick and injured veterans, he said, but noted that the unique nature of military service also affects families.
“We want to be able to provide support when families need it and quickly,” said Keogh.
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Victoria Kelly-Clark is an Australia-based reporter focusing on the national politics and geopolitical environment in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Central Asia.