Government accused of neglecting veterans

The Defence Force Welfare Association says the Government is neglecting those who have served the country by refusing to increase their pensions.

Some government pensions increase in line with the cost of living, but military pensions do not.

The association's David Jamison says the Government keeps making excuses about not being able to afford it.

"I think potential recruits need to think quite seriously about whether or not they've got confidence that they will be treated fairly during their service, and should something happen to them, and after they've retired," he said.

"They see their purchasing power being eroded year by year and the Government is denying them this sort of justice."

Mr Jamison says he met with the Government about a week-and-a-half ago and was told it could not afford to increase the pension.

"They keep coming up with different excuses and different amounts of what it will cost," he said.

Some Labor MPs have told Caucus they are concerned about the issue.

It is understood they are worried the issue could damage the Government, while at least one says increasing pensions is the right thing to do.

Opposition defence personnel spokesman Stuart Robert says the money can be found.

"Savings should be made to honour our fighting men and women," he said.

The Opposition has put forward a bill to make the changes, but there are concerns it may be unconstitutional.