Western Sydney Veterans' Community Forum
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson together with Senator Marise Payne, met with 100 veterans from across Western Sydney, including representatives from Blacktown RSL Sub-Branch, Castle Hill RSL Sub-branch, Merrylands RSL Sub-branch and Parramatta RSL Sub-branch.
“The Community Veterans’ Forum was a great opportunity for veterans’ to make their views known across many issues including; the fair indexation of the Defence Force Retirement Benefit, the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit pensions, the Centenary of ANZAC and better assistance for our Veterans.
“Another issue raised was the role of the 39th Battalion during the Second World War. I am an advocate for this important part of our history to be taught in our schools, in raising the awareness of the 39th Battalion’s role in securing the Kokoda Track and for the bravery of those who served to protect our nation, said Alex Hawke
"The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation for military superannuants. The Coalition believes DFRB and DFRDB military superannuation pensioners aged 55 and over should have their pensions indexed in the same way as aged and service pensioners.
The Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, joined with Mitchell MP, Alex Hawke, to sign the fair indexation pledge.
“A Coalition Government will deliver the fair go our veterans and their families deserve.”
“It is now clear that in order to deliver this reform we must change the Government”, concluded Alex Hawke.