CONTINUING TO SUPPORT TASMANIAN VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

GUY BARNETT MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

The Rockliff Liberal Government is the strongest supporter of the over 17,500 Veterans and their families who call Tasmania home.

Tasmanians have a long and distinguished history of military service and this dedication and sacrifice of our Veterans must not be forgotten.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is continuing to support Tasmania’s Veterans’ community through the 2023-34 Budget with our ongoing support of RSL Tasmania, the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program and Veterans’ Wellbeing Vouchers.

``We are continuing to deliver on our four-year commitment to provide $50,000 per annum to RSL Tasmania for programs that help it improve service delivery and continuing to recognise RSL Tasmania as the peak body for Tasmanian Veterans,’’ Minister Barnett said.

``There is continuing assistance for ex-service organisations through the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants which can be used to provide capital works, welfare initiatives, equipment or maintenance to memorials with $100,000 per annum from 2021-22 until 2024. A further funding round will be opened in coming months.

``The Tasmanian Liberal Government is also continuing its support for the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize which is seeing a significant number of Year 9 Tasmanian students entering the essay-based competition and further appreciating Tasmania’s rich military history and the ANZAC spirit.

``Our current serving Tasmanians, who are members of the Australian Defence Force, are recognised through our annual State Reception for Tasmanian service personnel who have deployed on overseas operations.

``We are developing a Veteran Employment Strategy for Tasmania, which will complement support provided by the defence department.

``Through the 2023-24 Budget, the Rockliff Liberal Government is continuing the Veterans’ Wellbeing Voucher Program for a second full year as part of our funding of $200,000 over four years. The vouchers help to improve the health and wellbeing of Tasmania’s Veterans with a saving on gymnasium or sports club membership fees.’’

Minister Barnett said that thanks to the sacrifices of our veterans and their families Tasmania has a strong, safe, secure future and the Rockliff Liberal Government is proud to provide on-going recognition and support.