The Hon Stuart Robert MP

Assistant Minister for Defence

Thursday, 20 March 2014

MINVA016

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO GIVE VETERANS A FAIR GO

This morning, the government fulfilled its pledge to 57,000 military superannuants and their families by introducing legislation that will deliver fair indexation to Defence Forces Retirement Benefits scheme (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme (DFRDB) military superannuants, aged 55 and over. Minister for Veterans Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson, said the introduction of this legislation has been a long time coming and gives effect to the Governments long standing preelection commitment. In 2010, the Coalition promised fair indexation. Before the 2013 federal election this commitment was restated. The introduction of this legislation today means that 57,000 DFRB and DFRDB military superannuants and their families will finally get the fair go they deserve, Senator Ronaldson said. Under the changes contained in the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Legislation Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2014, age and service pension indexation methodology will apply from 1 July 2014 to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants aged 55 and over. As promised, the fair indexation provisions will also extend to reversionary (widow) pensioners aged 55 and over. Addressing fair indexation was an article of faith for the Abbott Opposition and will now be delivered by the Abbott Government. The Prime Minister and I call upon Bill Shorten and the Labor Party to finally do what they should have done three years ago in the Senate and support this legislation. Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said Australias veterans have waited long enough for this reform. This Government has long recognised the unique nature of military service and the sacrifices military personnel and their families make on behalf of all Australians. The Governments resolve to introduce our fair indexation policy reflects our unwavering commitment to support veterans and their families. By introducing this legislation today, the Government is doing the right thing by those who have served. Unlike the Labor Party, what we promise, we deliver. It is now up to Labor to support this legislation and give veterans the fair go they deserve, Senator Ronaldson and Mr Robert said.

Media inquiries:

Minister Ronaldson: Brad Rowswell 02 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796 Department of Veterans Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203 Minister Robert: Richard Briedis: 02 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174 Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999