Boost for Australia’s veteran community

More than 250 ex-service organisations across

Australia, will share a $2.24 million equipment upgrade to improve their capacity to provide timely and effective support to their members.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said the funding demonstrated the Rudd Government’s commitment to the valuable role of ex-service organisations (ESOs), and delivered on an election promise to upgrade ESOs’ capital equipment.

“Many veterans, war widows, widowers, dependants and current serving members depend on the support and guidance provided by their local ESOs, particularly in relation to the claims process,” Minister Griffin said.

“The funding I have announced, through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program, will help purchase capital equipment essential to the work of advocates, pension and welfare officers. 

“Advocates, pension and welfare officers need equipment such as computers, printers and  internet access, to assist them in providing services to the veteran and ex-service communities.  

“I am pleased to say that every applicant who met the criteria has been provided with funding.

“‘This year’s funding has met the existing demand, and support will be provided over the next three years by the remaining $2.8 million of funding.

“I was pleased to announce as part of the Federal Budget, that support for ESOs would be increased by $14.9 million over four years, including 2007/08. 

“This funding also includes increased assistance for the Training and Information Program (TIP), which gives veterans’ representatives the necessary skills to support the veteran and service communities. 

“I encourage all ESOs to take advantage of the funding offered by the Government.  The better equipped ESOs are, the better they are able to support

Australia‘s veteran and ex-service communities,” Mr Griffin said.

Visit:   www.dva.gov
.au