MEDIA RELEASE
A FAIR GO FOR VETERANS – DELIVERED
The Abbott Coalition Government has delivered its election promise to 57,000 military superannuants and their families.
More than 1,900 veterans living in Forde will benefit from the Government’s legislation which delivers fair indexation.
Federal Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP today welcomed the passage of the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Legislation Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2014 through the Senate, giving effect to the Government’s commitment to give veterans a fair go across Australia.
“Thursday 27 March 2014 is a day for fairness. Today, the Government fulfilled its pledge to give veterans a fair go. We made a promise and we have kept it to the letter”, said Mr van Manen.
“From 1 July 2015, Defence Forces Retirement Benefits scheme (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme (DFRDB) military superannuants aged 55 and over will have their pensions indexed in the same way as age and service pensions. The fair indexation provisions will also extend to reversionary (widow) pensioners aged 55 and over.”
“This has been a long fought campaign for equity, justice and fairness, by the entire veteran community across Australia. The Coalition promised our veterans a fair go before the 2010 and 2013 elections and now we have delivered our promise.”
“The passing of this legislation today confirms this Government’s recognition of the unique nature of military service and the sacrifices military personnel and their families make on behalf of all Australians.”
“This legislation is an investment in fairness and will ensure the purchasing power of DFRB and DFRDB military superannuation pensions is maintained.”
“By passing this legislation today, veterans and their families have finally been delivered the fair go that they deserve, and that they were promised”, said Mr van Manen.
ENDS
