Coalition to take a stand for fair indexation for veterans
15th August, 2012
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, today said he would join other Liberal and National Members of Parliament in taking a stand for fair indexation for military superannuation in the Parliament this week.The Coalition will move to prevent further debate on the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 until the Gillard Labor Government introduces Fair Indexation legislation for veterans retirement benefits.
“The time has come for the Parliament to take a stand on fair indexation for Australia’s veterans,” Mr Truss said.
“Together with my Liberal and Nationals colleagues, we will demonstrate to the Labor Government that the Coalition is serious about delivering fairness for military superannuants relying on pensions, which are not keeping pace with the cost of living.
“The Coalition remains committed to delivering fair indexation for military superannuants. The Coalition believes that DFRB and DFRDB military superannuation pensioners aged 55 and over should have their pensions indexed in the same way as aged and service pensioners.
“At the 2010 election, the Liberal and National Parties committed to fair indexation. After the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate to provide fairer indexation to military superannuants but unfortunately, The Greens and the Labor Party opposed it,” Mr Truss said.
“Local military superannuants are fighting for a fair go. Many local veterans have complained to my office about the letters they have recently received from the Government, giving them just a few extra cents per fortnight in their pensions.
“I am committed to supporting them in the House of Representatives to show that I am serious about delivering the fair go they deserve.
“It is no longer acceptable that the Gillard Labor Government continues to fiddle about the edges of Veterans Affairs policy, while at the same time dismissing the everyday concerns of veterans, ex-service personnel and their families,” Mr Truss said.
“Local veterans who are DFRB and DFRDB military superannuants have proudly served their nation. It is time that the Gillard Labor Government recognised the unique nature of military service and delivered the fair pension indexation that these men and women, and their families deserve.”
