Around 4000 people receiving a benefit from the Veterans' Children Education Scheme will also receive a one off payment of $1000. People who are receiving Carer Allowance from Centrelink will also receive $1000 for each eligible person they care for. Payments will be tax exempt and will not be included for income-testing purposes.
These measures are designed to support veterans
and their families on low incomes who are suffering in the current
economic climate, while strengthening and stimulating Australia's
economy, said Mr Griffin. It was clear to the Government that
aged veteran pensioners and others in the veteran community
who depend on income support needed financial relief. This Government
values the contribution veterans have made to Australia, and
appreciate that they also need financial support and security.
The $10.4 billion package of measures announced today by the
Prime Minister will ensure a healthy economy and future stability
for those veterans, as well as the wider community.
The Government is also closely monitoring the
global financial crisis and its impact on the general community.
In the last week financial markets experienced a significant
fall in share values, resulting in substantial reductions in
the value of pensioners financial assets.
I have asked my Department to quickly update
its system with the current value of any financial investments,
including shares and managed investments, that veteran pensioners
might hold, to ensure they are receiving the maximum pension
they are entitled to, Mr Griffin said.
The below table lists the pensioners who will receive the bonus payment. |