Increased mental
health support and ongoing significant funding for veterans'
health care are critical for a changing veteran demographic,
the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today
at the official opening of the 90th Annual RSL State Congress
in Rooty Hill, NSW. "The Australian Government, through
the Department of Veterans' Affairs, will also continue high
level funding for compensation and income support and further
recognise the service and sacrifice of our veterans through
commemorative activities in the $10.8 billion 2006-07 veterans'
affairs budget," Mr Billson said.
"The veterans' affairs budget comprised $4.6 billion
for health care and rehabilitation, $6.1 billion for compensation
and income support and $45.8 million for commemorations programs.
"We have now made the mental health of Australia's veterans
a major
priority and provided a further $20 million over four years
in this year's budget to increase mental health spending.
This is in addition to more than $130 > million currently
spent each year on mental health services for veterans. This
funding boost will expand access to the range of mental health
care services available to veterans and their families. "The
2006-07 budget will also ensure members of the veteran community
continue to receive high-quality nursing services in the comfort
of their own homes, with the allocation of $24.4 million over
four years for community nursing services."
Other budget initiatives outlined by Mr Billson included: