Extra $5m to support veteran community
Ex-service organisations across Australia can now access a $5 million boost to their work supporting our veteran community, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, has announced.
Detailing an election commitment, Minister Griffin said the funding would provide much needed financial support to enable ex-service organisations (ESOs) to buy computers, printers, photocopiers and other equipment and resources crucial to the work of advocates and pension and welfare officers.
“Many members of the veteran community depend on the support and guidance provided through their local ESO and the Rudd Government wants to ensure they have the necessary equipment to do the job well,” Minister Griffin said.
“This extra $5 million will provide ESOs with resources that improve their ability to provide timely, accurate and effective advice and assistance to members of the veteran and service communities. I encourage all ESOs to take advantage of this one-off equipment program and submit an application through my Department.”
Minister Griffin said the funding would be made available through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and would help fund capital equipment such as computers, computer software, printers and internet access.
The extra $5 million is in addition to the $3.63 million BEST grants already allocated for 2007/08.
Applications for BEST funding are open until 15 March 2008. For more information, or to download an application form, visit www.dva.gov.au.
