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The Hon Stuart Robert MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
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22 November 2013
The Government will support the families of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel by providing free GP and basic allied health care to all ADF dependants from 1 January 2014.
Families of ADF personnel make significant sacrifices in support of their spouse, mother or father. The Government’s policy recognises these sacrifices by providing ADF dependants with reimbursement for all out of pocket expenses for GP services.
Additionally, each ADF dependant will be able to claim back up to $400 per year for allied health services such as dentistry, physiotherapy, psychology and podiatry.
The Government looks forward to the roll out of this policy on 1 January 2014 as it will fulfil its election commitment to ADF members and their families, which dates back to 2010.
The opposition's recent comments regarding the roll out of the programme are disappointing as they have the potential to mislead and confuse the families of ADF members.
In order to provide ADF families with peace of mind and to alleviate any confusion, the Government’s programme will be available to all ADF dependants from 1 January 2014. Under the previous government the programme was limited to a trial and open to approximately one quarter of ADF dependants.
The Government recognises the unique nature of military service and is absolutely committed to fulfilling its commitment to the families of ADF members.
The care and support of our ADF personnel, both during and after their service, and their families remains an ongoing priority for the Government.
Media contact:
Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office): 0477 391 174