The Government is rejecting recommended changes to the Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, providing veterans and their families in Mallee with clarity and assurance for the future of their benefits.
Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster MP said the Productivity Commission report A Better Way to Support Veterans, made 69 recommendations and the Government has addressed 25 of them and acknowledged the important role the Veteran Gold Card has in supporting veterans and their families to access treatment.
“The Government recognises the important role the Veteran Gold Card has in supporting veterans and their families to access treatment, and this is why we are rejecting the recommended changes to the Gold Card outlined in the Productivity Commission report, therefore providing clarity and certainty to veterans and their families.” Dr Webster said.
Dr Webster said Mallee’s veteran community can rest assured that the Government was committed to their mental health, employment and wellbeing.
“Mallee has a proud history of military service and today’s announcement will benefit our current veteran community, and generations of Wimmera and Mallee veterans into the future,” Dr Webster said.
“In coming to this decision the Government consulted extensively with the veteran community and the recommended changes to the Gold Card stood out as a particular concern to our veterans and their families.
“The Government is rejecting these recommendations and will not be implementing them. Eligibility for the Veteran Gold Card will not change.
“I hope this announcement puts the minds of our veterans and their families at ease relating to this important issue.”
The Productivity Commission recommended restricting future Gold Card eligibility to veterans with a severe service-related impairment, effectively meaning no new grants of Gold Card for veterans’ dependants as well as a number of other veteran cohorts who are currently entitled.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, provides support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.
Free and confidential help is available 24/7. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 1800 011 046 or +61 8 8241 4546) or
visit www.OpenArms.gov.au
They also recommended there be no further extensions of eligibility for the Gold Card to new categories of veterans, veterans’ dependants or civilians who are currently not eligible – effectively removing the ability of Government to extend eligibility for the Gold Card in the future to anyone who is not already eligible.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, provides support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.
Free and confidential help is available 24/7. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 1800 011 046 or +61 8 8241 4546) or
visit www.OpenArms.gov.au