April 7, 2014
The Abbott Coalition Government has delivered its election promise to military superannuants and their families.
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Darren Chester said the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Legislation Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2014 had passed through Parliament, giving effect to the Government’s commitment to give veterans a fair go.
“From July 1, 2015, Defence Forces Retirement Benefits scheme (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme (DFRDB) military superannuants aged 55 and over will have their pensions indexed in the same way as age and service pensions,” Mr Chester said.
“The fair indexation provisions will also extend to widow pensioners aged 55 and over.
“This has been a long fought campaign by the entire veteran community and there are many military superannuants across Gippsland who will benefit from this promise, which we have now delivered.”
Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert said the passing of the legislation confirmed the Government’s recognition of the unique nature of military service and the sacrifices military personnel and their families make on behalf of all Australians. “This legislation is an investment in fairness and will ensure the purchasing power of DFRB and DFRDB military superannuation pensions is maintained,” Mr Robert said.