FORMER Australian Defence Force members are being encouraged to check whether they are eligible for veteran recognition and support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
Many former service men and women still believe that the term “veteran” only applies to those who have seen active combat or served in war zones.
However, the definition of a veteran has changed significantly in recent years to include many who served during times of peace.
The Parliament of Australia website states that a Veteran card is: “available to anyone who has served in the Australian Defence Force with at least one day of continuous full-time service”.
This applies to people in service across the Navy, Army or Air Force.
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) is concerned that there are many former national servicemen, peacetime servicemen and women and reservists with qualifying service who are not receiving the support to which they are entitled..
People who are unsure of whether they qualify as a veteran, or would like assistance applying for the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, can call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) for help.
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