Defence force members!

[NP99]

G'evening NP99,

I am constantly breaking my balls and eating humble pie trying to deal with DVA regarding my clients claims! It is so frustrating at times and i do all this work voluntary. I use my own fuel and stationary just to get cases filed.

Regards,

RLI

G'day Mate,
And I thought it was just the Brisbane office that dicked us around. Sometimes I think the process is designed to make you give up! I'd hate to think what it's like for the older vets that aren't tech savy. Keep up the good fight mate.

[PMC]

G'day Mate,
And I thought it was just the Brisbane office that dicked us around. Sometimes I think the process is designed to make you give up! I'd hate to think what it's like for the older vets that aren't tech savy. Keep up the good fight mate.

G'evening NP99,

Thanks mate!

Regards,

RLI

[DX grunt]

Thanks RLI.

Sad. Very Sad. That equates to more than one a week. Sad, very sad.

RIP.

Rossco

[Stropp]

Yeh my niece has just got out of vet hospital after six weeks for PTSD, at least they are onto it.

[NP99]

A lot of the time it can take 20 years for symptoms to surface. My son in law had 31 direct contacts with the Taliban. He is ok until he has a beer and then let's it all out. Lets not forget the other guys doing it tough too. Cops, Ambos and Fireys, they see and deal with a lot of abuse and carnage!

[PMC]

Please find attached a media release from the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, regarding Labor’s failure to open Round 15 funding applications under the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) programme for 2013-14.

Regards,

RLI

Labor leaves veterans advocates out in the cold

The Gillard Labor Government is dragging its feet on funding guidelines to support veterans’ advocacy in the community under the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) programme.

After slashing $4 million from the programme in 2011, this latest breach of goodwill with the veteran community will place a system already under significant strain even closer to breaking point.

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said Labor’s decision to slash funding two years ago was having a dramatic impact on the delivery of advocacy and independent advice to veterans wishing to make claims with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“The Gillard Labor Government is trashing the very programmes which are meant to provide support to our veterans and their families in their time of need”, Senator Ronaldson said.

“Applications for BEST funding are usually called for by the end of February each year, with grants normally payable from 1 July. But two-thirds of the way through March and applications for Round 15 funding have not yet opened, nor have the new funding guidelines been released.”

“This is apparently due to the inaction and indecision of the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, who is again considering changing the guidelines, making the third major change to BEST funding in just three years.’ “Labor simply cannot be trusted with funding for veterans’ advocacy services. After cutting funding without warning or explanation and repeatedly changing the funding goalposts, the volunteer veteran advocacy network is at breaking point and needs assistance not hindrance if it is to survive.”

“Our largely volunteer veteran advocacy network is a bedrock element of our repatriation system. They provide independent advice and assistance with the preparation of claims paperwork and assist a veteran and their family navigate the complex web of entitlements available under the repatriation system.”

“Our system could not operate without our volunteer advocates and Labor’s decision to delay calling for funding applications for the next financial year is causing many advocates to consider whether they can continue to undertake this work for the future.”

“I call on Warren Snowdon to immediately release the new BEST funding guidelines and give our volunteers the support they need. Labor’s indecision over advocacy funding for our veterans and their families must end.”

[NP99]

Heard this on the radio today, it's been a while
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cAwvH8FbdjM
Those words apply equally to our guys today

[PMC]

It cost the Federal Gov. $500,000 to find out how to best celebrate 100 years of the Gallipoli landing and guess what the dick-brains came up with................ that we would upset some people in the community by celebrating Anzac Day!!!

(A Federal government focus group and research paper listed multiculturalism as a “risk” in the commemorations.
The report said commemorations should be culturally sensitive and inclusive, in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.
References to current conflicts involving Australian personnel should also be avoided as they have become unpopular with young people, according to the report.)

My God, we have Japanese and Germans march on Anzac Day, a day to commemorate their mates who did not return. Now are you ready for this?..... The Federal Gov. is now going to throw another $100,000 to someone to find out WHY it was suggested we tone down Anzac Day. What a bunch of useless bastards we have governing our country

What the Hell is this bullshit about 'toning down' ANZAC day because it may offend immigrants in Australia?

This is Australia because all our forefathers fought for us..

This is one special day that 'we' proud Aussie's Pay our respects to the many heroes lost fighting for our freedom and OUR! Country!

So who cares if some DAMN ILLEGAL immigrant that's funded by OUR taxes gets offended because of tribute we rightfully pay to OUR ANZACs!

Regards,

RLI

[Lonicus]

Thankfully the Government has rejected the findings and recommendations of the paper. Still a bloody huge waste of money. Makes you wonder who did the research, and what the focus group consisted of.

[NP99]

That's F'ked.........I'm glad my 36 years is coming to an end.