MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, 20
February 2019
Greater recognition for
veterans and THEIR families
NEW legislation
introduced into Federal Parliament will provide
better recognition of the unique nature of
military service and further acknowledge the
service and sacrifice of veterans and their
families.
The Government’s Australian
Veterans’ Recognition (Putting Veterans and
their Families First) Bill 2019 will
establish an Australian Defence Veterans’
Covenant, and as part of a wider recognition
package, a card and lapel pin will be provided
to veterans.
Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said it was a
project he has been working on with ex-service
organisations since becoming the Minister almost
12 months ago.
“The Government
has introduced this legislation to provide a
formal way for all Australians to show their
appreciation to the men and women who secured
the freedoms we enjoy today and to their
families who have supported them,” Mr Chester
said.
“I have consulted
extensively with the ex-service community on the
development of this Bill, including discussions
with our 5-Eyes counterparts in the United
Kingdom who have put in place similar measures.
“The covenant,
card and lapel pin will allow the community —
whether they are employers, businesses,
community groups, veteran or sporting
organisations — the opportunity to recognise the
service and sacrifice of the men and women who
have served our nation.
“Our government is
committed to putting veterans and their families
first and this legislation is part of a greater
suite of measures we are putting in place.
“This Bill will
create a separate Act to provide symbolic
recognition for all veterans, and does not
change current entitlements.
“Importantly, the
Bill before Parliament includes a statement
requiring the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
(DVA) to adopt a beneficial approach when
interpreting legislation and applying a fair,
just and consistent approach to veterans’
claims. It’s part of our ongoing efforts to
transform the culture of DVA.”
The Government has
received a positive response from businesses
which are supportive of the recognition program.
The covenant includes an oath, which all
Australians will be encouraged to take at
community commemorative events, and is
underpinned by the new Veteran Card and an
Australian Veteran Lapel Pin and a Reservist
Lapel Pin.
More information on
the Australian Defence Veterans Covenant can be
found on the DVA
website.
Attached photo caption:
Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester and DVA
Secretary Liz Cosson AM CSC
ENDS