Camaraderie Vol 53, No 1 available to view or download online.
In this edition: Free Rapid Antigen Tests for Veteran Card Holders • Taxation of Veteran Invalidity Benefits • Senate Committee Interim Report – Australia’s Engagement in Afghanistan • Paying for Veteran Healthcare • Royal Commission Update
From 24 January, veterans can access free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). This scheme is available to all holders of eligible Australian Government concession cards, including Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold, White or Orange Cards. You can access up to 10 RATs over a 3 month period.
If you are receiving a Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) or Military Super (MSBS) Class A or B Invalidity Benefit, you may be able to pay less tax if you have your benefits classified as Disability Superannuation Benefits. In some cases, the tax savings are substantial.
Camaraderie Vol 52, No 3 available to view or download online.
The government intends to introduce legislation to reverse the Federal Court decision in Douglas. The intention is to ensure that no veteran is worse off because of Douglas; however, this is a complex matter that needs scrutiny. DFWA and other ESOs will absolutely oppose any legislative change that removes any tax or other benefits flowing from the decision in Douglas, particularly in relation to pensions classed as Disability Superannuation Benefits.
In this edition: Covid Vaccination Certificates and DVA Gold Cards • National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention • Summary Discipline Reform • Education Curriculum • Election • Royal Commission Update
DFWA is seeking feedback on our proposed policy objectives. Let us know what you think, what the priority should be, or if we have missed an important issue.
DFWA is tracking each of the recommendations from the Interim Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention – Interim Report – Independent Review of Past Defence and Veteran Suicides. Follow its progress here.
Camaraderie is the magazine of the Defence Force Welfare Association. The magazine is 36-40 pages, published three times per year (March, July, November). DFWA is seeking a Graphic Designer to work with the Editor of Camaraderie to layout the magazine content for the three editions each year.