The Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin, today announced $4 million to help members of the veteran community access their entitlements, and connect with community and government services. "Almost 200 ex-service organisations (ESOs) will receive a share of $4 million through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grant program," Mr Griffin said. "The Australian Government supports the vital work of ESOs, and funding from the BEST program helps them deliver services to around 400,000 veterans and their partners, war widows and widowers around Australia."

Mr Griffin said the veteran community is rapidly changing with an ageing population and an increasing number of younger veterans with different service experiences needing support. "ESOs provide key pension and welfare assistance to individuals and families, and it is important that we help them adjust to the shifting needs of the ex-service community," he said.

"Concerns have been raised about the current program and there is a requirement to adjust to changing needs into the future. The Governmenttherefore intends to review the BEST program. "I will be consulting ESOs and other stakeholders in the coming months to ensure the needs of the veteran community are being effectively met
through this funding."

Mr Griffin is writing to all organisations who applied for BEST grants. Information about grants administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs is available on its website www.dva.gov.au