General News
14 August, 2023
Veterans card to support locals
The Victorian Government has launched the new Veterans Card, providing a raft of benefits to servicemen and women including discounts to vehicle registration. An Australian-first, the card system is available to anyone who has served or is currently...
The Victorian Government has launched the new Veterans Card, providing a raft of benefits to servicemen and women including discounts to vehicle registration.
An Australian-first, the card system is available to anyone who has served or is currently serving in the Australian Defence Force living in Victoria.
The Veterans Card provides discounted registration for one light vehicle, free trailer and caravan registration, a boating licence, free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, a fishing licence exemption and access to veteran-specific employment programs, among others.
Maryborough RSL sub branch vice president Ben Holscher said the support offered to veterans makes a real difference.
“All that’s in place is tremendous, simple things like vehicle registration do make a difference — it’s a fantastic help,” he said.
“I found it very challenging coming back into the civilian life.
“I remember when I first got out I couldn’t get a job, you had to rely on government help at that time and support like this really helps with that.”
The Victorian Government has invested more than $36 million over four years in the digital Veterans Card, which has been taken up by thousands of veterans already.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman said the card is a continuation of the government’s commitment to support the veteran community.
“We’re incredibly proud to provide Australian Defence Force members in Victoria with essential support and benefits,” she saud.
“Nothing can repay the debt of service but the Veterans Card is our way of saying thank you.
“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.”
All eligible members of the veteran community can apply for the card through either the Service Victoria website or the Service Victoria app on their smartphone.
For more information on the card, or to apply visit service.vic. gov.au/services/veterans-card-victoria.