Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA118
Thursday 27 November 2008
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS (DVA) ARRANGEMENTS DURING
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Veterans will be able to access key services throughout the Christmas and New Year period the
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin said today, despite the closure of the DVA offices
between 5pm on Christmas Eve and 9am Friday 2 January 2009.
Mr Griffin said key services will continue to be available to the veteran community during this
period, including:
crisis counselling –Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service offers 24-hour
crisis counselling through Veterans’ Line. This service is available toll free on
1800 011 046 to veterans of all conflicts and their families, including members of peace
operations;
transport – if transport is not booked prior to the Christmas period, it will need to be paid
for up-front and reimbursement can be sought from DVA at a later date;
hospital admissions – doctors can admit DVA patients into hospital and request
admissions approval, where required, when DVA re-opens on Friday 2 January 2009;
Defence Service Homes Insurance – help with policy and claim enquiries is available
24-hours a day on 1300 552 662, while payments can be made on 1300 304 989, for the
cost of a local call.
Pensions due to be paid on 1 January 2009 will be paid earlier, on 30 December 2008.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all veteran, defence force and ex-service
communities and their families, a safe and happy Christmas and New Year,” Mr Griffin said.
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a
week on 1800 011 046.
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