Wednesday, 1 November 2023

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (14:33): I rise today to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is delivering better transport options for veterans. At the last election we promised to introduce a veteran’s card to recognise the service and sacrifice of Victorian veterans, and we have delivered. As of 6 July this year, over 11,000 veterans have signed up for the Veterans Card Victoria. We have invested over $36 million, and the card is the first of its kind nationally. All current and former ADF personnel are eligible, and Victorian veterans can save on transport costs and more. Right now we have $100 off car rego, free caravan and trailer rego, and free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and just recently we had free public transport during Veterans’ Health Week. As we know, many veterans use public transport to attend services throughout the year. I know the member for Ripon is doing great work with our veteran community and we are getting great feedback from the Ripon veteran community. It is fantastic to hear how veterans are getting on board and accessing the benefits that they need.

Can I also thank Pete and Marcus from RSL Victoria who are here today at Parliament for this year’s poppy appeal. As we approach Remembrance Day this year, I would encourage all Victorian veterans to sign up and save with the Veterans Card Victoria. Whether you are travelling to the shrine by train or bus or getting out to regional Victoria for a spot of fishing, camping and caravanning, the Allan Labor government is working hard to get Victorians where they need to go every single day.