Veterans’ Affairs set to educate

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs will launch an information campaign to inform same-sex couples of their new entitlements to war widow/er pensions.

This news came a week after Edward Young became the first gay man in Australia to qualify for the benefit.

Young fought unsuccessfully for a decade to have his 38-year relationship with Larry Cairns, an ex-officer, recognised.

Equality laws passed in November will make all same-sex partners of returned servicepeople eligible for the pension from July 1 this year.

This landmark reform has long been overdue, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Alan Griffin told Sydney Star Observer.

I am pleased that these changes mean same-sex couples, along with widows and widowers, will have access to the same benefits and entitlements as heterosexual couples.

Griffin said his department was currently working on developing an education campaign to inform all affected members of the GLBT community.

The gay and lesbian community has been involved in the development of this campaign, and I understand that many of its members are already well informed about what these changes mean for them, he said.

I would encourage anyone who was, or is in a same-sex relationship who would like information about their entitlements to contact the department.

info: For more information visit www.dva.gov.au.