THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE: Veterans Card officially launched

THE Victorian government is seeking to grow the uptake of its state-based Veterans Card, which it is describing as an Australian first.

Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman and Lara MP Ella George visited Lara RSL on Friday last week to officially launch the Veterans Card – Victoria, which recognises the service and sacrifices made by all present and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

The digitally-based card provides eligible veterans with discounted registration for one light vehicle, free trailer and caravan registration, a marine (boating) licence, free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, a fishing licence exemption, and access to Victorian government veteran-specific employment programs.

Anyone living in Victoria who has served or is presently serving in the ADF is eligible for the Veterans Card – Victoria.

Lara RSL president Marcus McEwen thanked the Victorian government for creating the card and its associated benefits. “There’s certainly many, many veterans around the area, and the grey nomads love to take off in their caravans, so that even little thing will go a long, long way,” he said.

“When we join the Defence Force, we don’t join to get thanks from anyone, we do it bcause we love our country, but to get recognition after the fact, just in this small way, is amazing.”

Labor committed to create the Veterans Card ahead of last year’s Victorian election, and the initiative is expected to cost more than $36 million over four years.

Ms Suleyman said the card had already been taken up by more than 6,000 Victorian veterans with almost no publicity since its launch on July 1, but the intention was to have as many of the state’s more than 100,000 veterans sign up, as many of those were not connected to any veteran concession cards.

“The Veterans Card has received the largest single investment by any state government towards veterans initiatives and is one of the many ways we’re honouring the veteran community.

“We’re incredibly proud to provide Australian Defence Force members in Victoria with essential support and benefits. “Nothing can repay the debt of service but the Veterans Card is our way of saying thank you.”

Ms George said her office would run workshops to help local veterans sign up for the card using a laptop or smartphone.

“A veteran’s contribution doesn’t end when they leave the Defence Force – we want to support them through the next stage of their life and easing the cost of living is one way we can help.

“Veterans have given so much for Victoria and Australia and they deserve our ongoing recognition, appreciation and support.”

For more information on the card, or to apply, head to service.vic.gov.au/services/veterans-card-victoria or use the Service Victoria app on your smartphone.