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18 TPI VICTORIA INC. • CHINup WINTER 2018 • WWW.TPIVIC.COM

“We want to encourage and support those studying with a
view to getting them back into the workforce,” Mr Chester
said.
The Hon Darren Chester MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs The Budget also contains a major reform package designed
Minister for Defence Personnel to improve dental and allied health services for veterans. The
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC package will be implemented in four stages that will include
adjustments to fee schedules, a new treatment cycle
MEDIA RELEASE – Wednesday 9 May 2018 initiative, trials of funding models and upgrades to meet
future needs.
Budget puts Veterans and their Families first
Veterans and their families will continue to come first with “These reforms are about making sure that the 140,000 DVA
$100 million in additional funding provided in the 2018-19 cardholders who access dental and allied health services
Budget announced on Tuesday. benefit from improved communication between their GPs and
service providers,” Mr Chester said.
This funding is in addition to ongoing funds allocated to the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). In 2018-19, this “We are also looking to expand the range of services we can
ongoing funding will total $11.2 billion. deliver through new technology like telehealth via telephone
or video and online video counselling.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said the
additional $100 million investment will help fund the The 2018-19 Budget also:
continuing reform process underway at DVA. This  Expands eligibility for non-liability mental health
transformation will ensure veterans and their families receive treatment to Reservists with domestic or international
the services and support they need. disaster relief or border protection service or those
involved in a serious service-related training accident;
“The Government is working hard to make sure veterans and  Extends eligibility for the Long Tan Bursary to the
their families can access the services they rely on more easily grandchildren of Vietnam veterans; and
and faster,” Mr Chester said.  Reverses two 2015-16 Budget measures related to
certain calculations under the Safety, Rehabilitation
“DVA’s transformation is about not only upgrading out-dated and Compensation Act 1988 at a cost of $5.3 million
computer systems but also looking at improving our service over the forward estimates.
delivery to ensure the best possible outcome for veterans and
their families. More information about all of DVA’s 2018-19 Budget
measures is available at www.dva.gov.au.
“We’re also making sure that veterans can access DVA’s
services through digital platforms and investigating new ways Media Contacts:
to reach out to veterans.” Whil Prendergast: 0427 672 815
DVA Media: 02 6289 6466
Included in the new funding is $4.0 million for the ongoing
implementation of the Prime Minister’s Veterans’
Employment Program and $4.3 million for additional services
to help veterans enter the broader workforce.

“Transitioning to civilian life and finding meaningful
employment post-service can be a challenge for some
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel,” Mr Chester said.
“We know the best type of support for our ex-service men and The Hon. Darren Chester MP
women is the economic independence that comes with a job. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
“The key to getting our veterans into the workforce once they Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Centenary of Anzac
leave the ADF is making sure businesses are aware of the

unique skills and experiences these individuals have.” MEDIA RELEASE – Wednesday 28 March 2018
“That’s why the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Expanding essential services for Veterans and their Families
Program is such an important initiative.” VETERANS and their families will have greater access to
essential services with Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren
Mr Chester said the new Budget funding would help those Chester introducing the Veterans’ Affairs Legislation
struggling to find a job by providing additional support with Amendment (Veteran-Centric Reforms No. 2) Bill 2018 (VCR
resume and interview preparation, translating ADF skills into Bill) today.
civilian competencies, mentoring and coaching services.
“The measures introduced today will continue to ensure
The Government is also investing $10.8 million to remove the veterans and their families get the services and support they
reduction in the amount of incapacity payments when eligible need,” Mr Chester said.
veterans are undertaking approved full-time study as part of
their rehabilitation plan. “As a government we are determined to put veterans and their
families first.