669 LOCAL VETERANS TO GAIN FORTNIGHTLY INCREASE UNDER DISABILITY PENSIONS
More than 669 veterans’ affairs disability pensioners in the seat of Berowra will benefit from a substantial package announced recently by the Prime Minister the local Federal MP Mr Ruddock said.
“As part of a comprehensive $330 million veterans’ support package, all veterans' affairs disability pensions will be indexed more beneficially with reference to both the Consumer Price Index and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings from March 2008,” Mr Ruddock said.
The significant indexation measure will benefit more than 669 disability pensioners in my electorate, including those receiving the Special Rate, Intermediate Rate and the Extreme Disability Adjustment.
“In addition, about 69 veterans who receive the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) will also receive a fortnightly increase of $15, from March 2008, to the Above General Rate component of their disability pension," Philip Ruddock said.
"As a result, the entire General Rate Table will be increased by 5 per cent from March 2008. This initiative will deliver all General Rate recipients a fortnightly boost of $20 from March 2008, also adjusted by the more beneficial indexation method. EDA veterans will receive a total increase of more than $35," Mr Ruddock said.
“These commitments respect and honour the long established principles of our world-class repatriation system, and again demonstrate, in a practical and meaningful way, our special duty to those who have served our nation and the disability pension enhancement package is in addition to fortnightly increases of $50 for the Special Rate pension and $25 for the Intermediate Rate pension which took effect in July under a $159.6 million Howard Government measure.”