Vets hit election jackpot with pension promises

First it was Opposition leader Kevin Rudd promising to increase the indexation of veterans’ pensions early this week.

Then last night (11 September) at the RSL Congress in Melbourne, the Prime Minister upped the ante by announcing a $20 a week increase in their pensions. The rise would affect 140,000 war veterans and also war widows.

Pensions will be indexed annually to keep pace with the cost of living. A total of 13,500 veterans receiving the Extreme Disablement Adjustment will also receive an extra $15 a fortnight.

Kevin Rudd was also there and he immediately promised the match this pledge.

“Veterans’ Affairs is one area where political differences should be minimised to the greatest extent possible,” he said.

“That is why I begin my remarks tonight, in terms of the care of our veterans, by embracing fully and unequivocally each and every announcement made here tonight by the Prime Minister.”