Veterans and their families will continue to
come first with $100 million in additional
funding provided in the 2018-19 Budget announced
on Tuesday.
This funding is in addition to ongoing funds
allocated to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
(DVA). In 2018-19, this ongoing funding will
total $11.2 billion.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester
said the additional $100 million investment will
help fund the continuing reform process underway
at DVA. This transformation will ensure veterans
and their families receive the services and
support they need.
“The Government is working hard to make sure
veterans and their families can access the
services they rely on more easily and faster,”
Mr Chester said.
“DVA’s transformation is about not only
upgrading out-dated computer systems but also
looking at improving our service delivery to
ensure the best possible outcome for veterans
and their families.
“We’re also making sure that veterans can access
DVA’s services through digital platforms and
investigating new ways to reach out to
veterans.”
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 women is the economic
independence that comes with a job.
“The key to getting our veterans into the
workforce once they leave the ADF is making sure
businesses are aware of the unique skills and
experiences these individuals have.”
“That’s why the Prime Minister’s Veterans’
Employment Program is such an important
initiative.”
Mr Chester said the new Budget funding would
help those struggling to find a job by providing
additional support with resume and interview
preparation, translating ADF skills into
civilian competencies, mentoring and coaching
services.
The Government is also investing $10.8 million
to remove the reduction in the amount of
incapacity payments when eligible veterans are
undertaking approved full-time study as part of
their rehabilitation plan.
“We want to encourage and support those studying
with a view to getting them back into the
workforce,” Mr Chester said.
The Budget also contains a major reform package
designed to improve dental and allied health
services for veterans. The package will be
implemented in four stages that will include
adjustments to fee schedules, a new treatment
cycle initiative, trials of funding models and
upgrades to meet future needs.
“These reforms are about making sure that the
140,000 DVA cardholders who access dental and
allied health services benefit from improved
communication between their GPs and service
providers,” Mr Chester said.
“We are also looking to expand the range of
services we can deliver through new technology
like telehealth via telephone or video and
online video counselling.”
The 2018-19 Budget also: