Government support for veterans
This federal government is absolutely committed to supporting current and former members of the Australian Defence Force who may have been physically or sexually abused.
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The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has introduced measures to make it easier for those affected to access compensation and to receive the mental health support they need.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has broadened the acceptance of statutory declarations as part of compensation claims, making it possible for such declarations to constitute sufficient evidence to establish that abuse took place.
This change will benefit those who may not have reported abuse at the time it occurred or who have never previously spoken about it.
A dedicated team has also been established to manage all new claims relating to sexual and physical abuse.
Treatment for all mental health conditions is now free for anyone who has served just one day in the full-time ADF.
The Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service also provides specialist free counselling and group programs.
This service is available by phoning 1800 011 046, or via their website: www.vvcs.gov.au.
I encourage anyone who may have suffered abuse in the ADF to contact DVA to access the support and benefits the Department provides.
Further information can be found on the Department’s website or by calling 1800 555 254.
Dan Tehan
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Queensland Parliament condemns Labor’s record high energy prices
Last week, the Queensland Parliament delivered a damming blow to the Palaszczuk Labor Government in passing a motion condemning the Government over higher electricity prices.
Labor continues to use energy prices as a secret tax, and the Parliament agreed to expose this hoax on Queenslanders.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has presided over record high electricity costs in Queensland.
Family and business power bills are soaring because of Labor’s failed policies in our state.
In fact, wholesale power prices in Queensland have skyrocketed by 70 per cent.
It is unmasking the Palaszczuk Labor government as a government of cons, costs and crisis.
Industry and families are paying thousands of dollars more for electricity and Labor just couldn’t care less.
Labor tells Queenslanders they’ve never had it so good, but they aren’t fooling anyone.
Enough is enough.
Only the LNP has a plan to deal with Labor’s rising power bills.
Michael Hart MP
LNP Shadow Minister for Energy
It’s time to legalise same sex marriage
The only group that has ever consistently been against marriage equality in any poll is the 65 years old plus mob.
And that group is the least likely to be affected by any change to the marriage rules.
It's time. Just do it. We all have LGBQTI friends.
And if you don't think you have one, look around.
There are lots to share.
George Harley
Mount Isa
Got something you want to get off your chest?
Email us at nwsletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
