Joint Release: Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester MP and Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson – Thousands of offers are now available to Veteran Card holders from businesses across Australia, as part of the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant which passed Parliament recently.
Senator Sarah Henderson said the Veteran Card is providing the opportunity for businesses and organisations across the country to show their support and recognition of veterans and say, ‘Thank you for your service’.
“So far around 500 businesses are on board, making more than 10,000 offers available for Veteran Card holders, both over the counter and online.
“The businesses range from small family businesses through to large chains that operate nationally,” Senator Henderson said.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, said the new Veteran Card will be available to all veterans as a practical demonstration of respect and recognition for their service.
“The Morrison Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and we provide more than $11 billion every year in support for veterans and their families,” Mr Chester said.
“Bringing corporate Australia on board will be a tangible benefit to the veteran community, with the card providing access to services and benefits for eligible veterans.
“We are proud to be partnering with Australian Partners of Defence (APOD) — an organisation founded and run by veteran families for veteran families — to ensure veterans can easily find local businesses in their area that are showing that respect and recognition of their service.
“I encourage veterans and reservists who have not already registered for the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, which includes the Lapel Pin and Oath, to do so through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs online portal, MyService at dva.gov.au/myservice,” Mr Chester said.
Senator Henderson said businesses and communities are encouraged to show their support for the Covenant by offering benefits or concessions for Veteran Card holders.
“If you’re a business get on board and support the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant,” Senator Henderson said. “Businesses can sign up to support the Covenant at apod.com.au/about/advertise while community organisations can register with DVA through recognition.dva.gov.au.
“The service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families to our nation is profound and supporting our veterans through this program is a positive and tangible way to recognise that.”
Once card holders are registered with apod.com.au, they can gain access to offers from businesses by searching online and using a unique offer code. Existing DVA Health Card holders can register directly through APOD or when they apply for the Covenant through MyService.
Businesses honouring the Veteran Card include retailers, travel and tourism operators, accommodation and car hire, entertainment, hospitality, restaurants, as well as service and trade industries such as gyms to automotive mechanics. Offers are generally discounts on goods, gift cards and services and range from 2.5 per cent to 40 per cent off.
The Covenant encourages better recognition of the unique nature of military service and helps Australia’s veterans connect with the broader community.
Covenant packs – which include the lapel pin and oath – for those who have already registered are being sent out by mail.
5 November 2019