Legislation Introduced to Give Veterans a Fair Go

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  • 8/12/2019 Legislation Introduced to Give Veterans a Fair Go

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    The Hon Stuart Robert MP

    Assistant Minister for Defence

    Thursday, 20 March 2014 MINVA016

    LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO GIVE VETERANS A FAIR GO

    This morning, the government fulfilled its pledge to 57,000 military superannuants and theirfamilies by introducing legislation that will deliver fair indexation to Defence Forces RetirementBenefits scheme (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme (DFRDB)military superannuants, aged 55 and over.

    Minister for Veterans Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson, said the introduction of thislegislation has been a long time coming and gives effect to the Governments long standing pre-election commitment.

    In 2010, the Coalition promised fair indexation. Before the 2013 federal election thiscommitment was restated. The introduction of this legislation today means that 57,000 DFRBand DFRDB military superannuants and their families will finally get the fair go they deserve,Senator Ronaldson said.

    Under the changes contained in the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Legislation Amendment(Fair Indexation) Bill 2014, age and service pension indexation methodology will apply from 1July 2014 to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants aged 55 and over. As promised, the fairindexation provisions will also extend to reversionary (widow) pensioners aged 55 and over.

    Addressing fair indexation was an article of faith for the Abbott Opposition and will now bedelivered by the Abbott Government. The Prime Minister and I call upon Bill Shorten and theLabor Party to finally do what they should have done three years ago in the Senate and supportthis legislation.

    Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said Australias veterans have waitedlong enough for this reform.

    This Government has long recognised the unique nature of military service and the sacrificesmilitary personnel and their families make on behalf of all Australians. The Governmentsresolve to introduce our fair indexation policy reflects our unwavering commitment to support

    veterans and their families.

    By introducing this legislation today, the Government is doing the right thing by those who haveserved. Unlike the Labor Party, what we promise, we deliver.

    It is now up to Labor to support this legislation and give veterans the fair go they deserve,Senator Ronaldson and Mr Robert said.

    Media inquiries: Minister Ronaldson: Brad Rowswell 02 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796

    Department of Veterans Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

    Minister Robert: Richard Briedis: 02 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999