LNP to provide fair indexation of military superannuation pensions
1st August, 2013
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss today recommitted the Liberal and National Parties to the fair indexation of Defence Forces Retirement Benefit (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) military superannuation pensions.“Through this commitment, a Coalition Government will ensure that DFRB and DFRDB superannuants aged 55 and over will have their superannuation pensions indexed in the same way as aged and service pensions,” Mr Truss said.
“This will benefit hundreds of local veterans who are recipients of military superannuation pensions.”
Under current legislation, the government increases military superannuation pensions by the consumer price index. By contrast, age pensions are indexed according to a formula based on the consumer price index, male total average weekly earnings and the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index.
“Australia’s ex service men and women have honoured our country, protected our freedom and served our nation with distinction. It is appropriate that their contributions are recognized through the fair indexation of their military superannuation pensions,” Mr Truss said.
“Throughout Australia 57,000 superannuants, and their families will have access to fair, just and equitable indexation of their superannuation entitlements under a Coalition Government.”
Mr Truss said in 2007 Kevin Rudd had led defence force retirees to believe that they would provide a fairer deal for ex-servicemen and women on election to Government.
“Unfortunately, the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Government only delivered yet another broken promise.
“The latest proposal from Kevin Rudd and Labor can not be believed.
‘Labor has had six years to improve indexation arrangements — but they broke their promise and opposed the Coalition’s moves to introduce it at every opportunity.”
“Our veterans and their families deserve fair indexation. A Coalition Government will deliver it.”
