Assistant Minister for Defence - A fair go for veterans - delivered

The Abbott Coalition Government has delivered its election promise to 57,000 military superannuants and their families.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson, and Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, today welcomed the passage of the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Legislation Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2014 through the Senate, giving effect to the Government’s commitment to give veterans a fair go.

“Thursday 27 March 2014 is a day for fairness. Today, the Government fulfilled its pledge to give veterans a fair go. We made a promise and we have kept it to the letter,” Senator Ronaldson said.

“From 1 July 2014, Defence Forces Retirement Benefits scheme (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme (DFRDB) military superannuants aged 55 and over will have their pensions indexed in the same way as age and service pensions. The fair indexation provisions will also extend to reversionary (widow) pensioners aged 55 and over.”

“This has been a long fought campaign for equity, justice and fairness, by the entire veteran community across Australia. The Coalition promised our veterans a fair go before the 2010 and 2013 elections and now we have delivered our promise.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said that from 1 July this year military superannuants and their families would benefit from the change in indexation arrangements.

“The passing of this legislation today confirms this Government’s recognition of the unique nature of military service and the sacrifices military personnel and their families make on behalf of all Australians.

“This legislation is an investment in fairness and will ensure the purchasing power of DFRB and DFRDB military superannuation pensions is maintained.”

“By passing this legislation today, veterans and their families have finally been delivered the fair go that they deserve, and that they were promised,” Senator Ronaldson and Mr Robert said.

Media contacts:

Brad Rowswell (Minister Ronaldson's office) (02) 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media (02) 6289 6203

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's office) (02) 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) and Veterans Line can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046