Coast veterans better off in 2023

2023 will be a year of improved services, support and benefits for the veteran community; as measures and initiatives to address cost of living pressures and enhance family wellbeing kick off.

10 February 2023

 

TPI VETERANS on the Central Coast are now $1000 better off following an increase in the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) payment, while practical support for veterans and their families will be enhanced.

 

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP says that the Albanese Labor Government appreciates and supports our defence personnel, veterans and their families.

 

“Our former and current service men and women have made exceptional sacrifices defending our country and we owe it to them that when they return from service or to civilian life, that they are well looked after,” Dr Reid said.

 

“Under the Albanese Labor Government, the TPI payment has increased, to eligible veterans, by $38.46 per fortnight.

 

“From January of this year, the Special Rate will be $1,617.16 per fortnight."

 

27,000 veterans receiving either the TPI payment, Temporarily Totally Incapacitated (TTI) Payment, and Blind rate of Disability Compensation Payment under the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA) or the Special Rate Disability Pension under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) will benefit.

 

Dr Reid has also welcomed the Albanese Labor Government’s investment in a Veteran Employment Program that will not only support defence personnel in their transition to civilian life, it will also champion the opportunity of employing a veteran in the civilian workforce.

 

“The ability to undertake meaningful work has been shown to benefit veterans’ mental health and wellbeing following their military service,” Dr Reid said.

 

“Veterans are a wealth of expertise and knowledge that make valued and reliable employees after their service. As part of our government’s commitment to better support veterans, we are investing $24 million into the Veteran Employment Program around Australia to better recognise veterans’ prior learning and promote the benefits they can provide to employers.

 

“The Albanese Labor Government continues to respond to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide with the recruitment of an additional 500 staff at DVA to work through the backlog of claims, improve ICT systems and work to simplify complex veterans’ legislation.”

 

These are just some of the practical measures that will benefit veterans and families to improve their quality of life in 2023, and there’s more in the works.

 

“I encourage any veteran on the Central Coast to reach out to my office if they are experiencing issues with Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or other issues,” said Dr Reid.

 

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Throughout the year, the Australian Government is recognising the contribution of our Vietnam veterans, at war and in the decades since. This will culminate in a national commemorative service in Canberra on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2023.

 

For more information about the service and the 50th anniversary, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.