Ministers statements: veterans support
Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:19): I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s commitment to introducing the Veterans Card Victoria. Today we attended the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the Shrine to pay tribute to and remember the significant contributions made by Aboriginal people in service to the country. Veterans Card Victoria is a way to recognise veterans’ service and assist with the cost of living for thousands of Victorian veterans. Veterans Card Victoria is the first of its kind in Australia. It will be one card for all of our veterans. Victoria is home to more than 100,000 veterans, but we know that 60,000 of them are not connected to any concession scheme. Whether they have served a day or been on multiple deployments, every veteran is entitled to the card. The Andrews Labor government is absolutely committed to ensuring that veterans and their families get the support they deserve. That is why from 1 July veterans will be able to apply for the Veterans Card Victoria. Cardholders will receive a new concession of $100 off car rego as well as free trailer and caravan registration, free fishing and boating licences, free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and access to tailored veterans employment programs. Veterans will be able to access employment support and opportunities through the veteran employment pathway. This program has been a great success so far, with over 1000 veterans employed in the public sector alone. I want to thank veteran employment advocate Major General David McLachlan AO for his dedication and tireless work on behalf of veterans. We value the skills and knowledge of our veterans, and we are supporting and backing them with the Veterans Card Victoria. It is a very small way of saying thank you on behalf of Victorians to our veterans and their families.