[Greens-Media] Veterans' partners' payments secured
Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)
Tim.Norton at aph.gov.au
Thu Dec 4 15:33:18 EST 2008
Veterans' partners' payments secured
Thursday 4th December 2008
The Australian Greens this week ensured financial security for the most
vulnerable of veterans' partners in the event of a relationship
breakdown.
"The Greens have succeeded in ensuring common sense amendments to the
partner pensions legislation that will protect a very vulnerable group
of people who have already suffered a lot and who stood to face further
suffering by elements of this Bill," said Senator Rachel Siewert.
"Evidence given to the Senate Inquiry showed that women who had
separated from their Vietnam veteran partner due to the impact on the
marriage of post traumatic stress disorder or other psychological
illness, would have been particularly disadvantaged under the original
changes," said Senator Siewert.
"The Government had initially proposed to withdraw eligibility once the
partner had been separated from the veteran for 12 months, or
immediately if the veteran started a new relationship. This period has
now been extended."
"This is a clear case of protecting women in vulnerable situations, and
I'm glad the right outcome was achieved in this case."
"The Greens have worked with the Government to amend this Bill so that
the transition is dealt with more thoughtfully, people will have more
time to adjust, and women are supported in times of difficulty," she
concluded.
For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
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