In a budget that was mostly positive for veterans, the Alliance of Defence Service Organisation (ADSO) welcomes the extension of eligibility for nonliability health care, including Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling support, to all current and former ADF members for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance abuse.
The partnering with the Kookaburra Kids Foundation will also be welcomed by defence veterans ’families with serving and former ADF members affected by mental illnesses.
We remain disappointed that no provision has been provided to rectify the many discriminatory provisions of existing military superannuation schemes, nor action to stop the erosion of the value of veterans’ disability pensions.
The move to review the culture and processes of the Department of Veterans’Affairs to become less process focussed and more veterans centric has our strong support. However we strongly advocate that along with this review there should be a move to a single uncomplicated military compensation and rehabilitation system to replace the existing complex arrangements.
ADSO now looks forward to early policy statements impacting serving and former ADF members and their families from the Government, Opposition, the other Parties and the Independents so that our members and supporters can make informed judgements at the ballot box on the 2nd July.
Contacts
ADSO Campaign Co Directors Ted Chitham (0418) 733 887 Alf Jaugietis (0438) 282 284
ADSO National Spokesman David Jamison (0416) 107 557
http://adso.org.au