Wednesday, 19 February 2025

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, Minister for Youth) (14:36): I rise today to update the house on how the Veterans Card Victoria is helping the cost of living for our veterans. This nation-leading initiative, the first of its kind, provides ongoing savings for our Victorian veterans every year. Another initiative introduced by this government in 2019 is the weekly last post service at the shrine. I do need to repeat that: since 2019. This service allows the community to come together every Sunday to honour our veterans. It is an important tradition, and let me reassure our veterans and the community that this tradition will continue. Veterans served for us and for their country, and we will continue to serve them. That is why our government is focused on delivering real support for our veterans through the Veterans Card Victoria, easing cost-of-living pressures, providing real savings on car rego, marine licences and so much more; a strong employment strategy, helping veterans transition into secure jobs; and providing support for local RSLs and community organisations through funding support. Victoria is a proud home for over 100,000 veterans, and this year marks the 110th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli in Türkiye. To all our veterans, the Allan Labor government will continue to honour you and respect your service and sacrifice. On cost of living, education and secure jobs, we are backing you – for our veterans, for families and for all Victorians