The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA056i
Wednesday 11 June 2008
$12,000 BOOST FOR NT VETERAN COMMUNITY
Four ex-service organisations across the Northern Territory will share a $12,647 update to their
equipment so they can better help the veteran and service communities through the claims
process, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today.
Mr Griffin said more than 250 ex-service organisations (ESOs) across the country received a
total of $2.24 million in support, delivering on an election promise to upgrade ESOs’ capital
equipment.
“Many veterans, war widows, widowers, dependants and current serving members depend on
the support and guidance provided by their local ESOs, particularly in relation to the claims
process,” Minister Griffin said.
“Today’s funding, through the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program, will
help purchase capital equipment essential to the work of advocates, pension and welfare
officers.
“Advocates, pension and welfare officers need equipment such as computers, printers and
internet access to assist them in providing services to the veteran and ex-service communities.
“I am pleased to say that every applicant that met the criteria has been provided with funding.
“This Government recognises the need of ESOs to maintain their equipment and resources.
This year’s funding has met the existing demand and support will be provided over the next
three years by the remaining $2.8 million of funding.
“I was pleased to announce as part of the Federal Budget that support for ESOs would be
increased by $14.9 million over four years, including 2007/08. This funding also includes
increased assistance for the Training and Information Program (TIP) which gives veterans’
representatives the necessary skills to support the veteran and service communities.
“I encourage all ESOs to take advantage of the funding offered by the Government. The better
equipped ESOs are, the better they are able to support Australia’s veteran and ex-service
communities,” Mr Griffin said.
Further information on applying for BEST, and other veterans grants, is available from the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs, phone 133 254 (metro callers) or 1800 555 254 (non-metro
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
Editors note: A list of grant recipients is attached.
Building Excellence in Support and Training Northern Territory Recipients
The Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex-servicemen and Women Association of the
Northern Territory will receive $5080 to help purchase a computer, printer, office furniture
and internet access.
The Darwin RSL Sub-branch will receive $2999 to help purchase a computer and internet
access.
The Northern Territory Branch of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia will receive
$3099 to help purchase a computer, internet access and a paper shredder.
The Royal Australian Regiment Association, Northern Territory Branch, will receive $1469 to
help purchase a computer and printer.
NEWS 
