MINISTER OUTLINES MENTAL HEALTH BOOST FOR VETERANS AT NSW RSL CONGRESS

Increased mental health support and ongoing significant funding for veterans’ health care are critical for a changing veteran demographic, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson, said today at the official opening of the 90th Annual RSL State Congress in Rooty Hill, NSW.

"The Australian Government, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will also continue high level funding for compensation and income support and further recognise the service and sacrifice of our veterans through commemorative activities in the $10.8 billion 2006-07 veterans’ affairs budget," Mr Billson said.

"The veterans’ affairs budget comprised $4.6 billion for health care and rehabilitation, $6.1 billion for compensation and income support and $45.8 million for commemorations programs.

"We have now made the mental health of Australia’s veterans a major priority and provided a further $20 million over four years in this year’s budget to increase mental health spending. This is in addition to more than $130 million currently spent each year on mental health services for veterans. This funding boost will expand access to the range of mental health care services available to veterans and their families.

"The 2006-07 budget will also ensure members of the veteran community continue to receive high-quality nursing services in the comfort of their own homes, with the allocation of $24.4 million over four years for community nursing services."

Other budget initiatives outlined by Mr Billson included:

• $4.5 million to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and Australia’s contribution in the Vietnam War; and
• $10.5 million over four years to commemorate Australia’s contribution in France and Belgium to mark the 90th anniversaries of key battles on the Western Front during World War I.

"The 2006-07 Federal Budget reinforces the Australian Government’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of our veterans and defence force communities, while helping Australians continue to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who serve our country," Mr Billson said.

Media inquiries: Shane Fairlie 0408 680 442