The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA056h
Wednesday 11 June 2008
$61,000 BOOST FOR TASMANIA VETERAN COMMUNITY
Five ex-service organisations across Tasmania will share a $61,812 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 Tasmania Recipients
BEST Program Tasmania (Joint Venture Committee) will receive $45,630 to help purchase
equipment including eleven computers, eleven printers, internet access and office furniture.
Hobart Legacy will receive $4938 to help purchase a television, projection screen and
internet access.
Launceston Legacy will receive $3585 to help purchase a computer, printer, projector and
internet access.
The Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia, Tasmanian Branch, will receive $2800 to
help purchase a computer and printer.
The Tasmania Section of the Naval Association of Australia will receive $4859 to help
purchase three computers and a printer.
NEWS 
