This $5 million election commitment will fund the establishment of a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bendigo to support around 3,900 local veterans and families, and will provide a support base for thousands more veterans and families across Central Victoria.

This will complement the Albanese Labor Government’s strong record of support for Australia’s veteran community.

When we came to office, there was a backlog of around 42,000 veteran claims that had not yet been looked at and veterans were waiting years to get the support they need and deserve.

Thanks to Labor’s investments in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the backlog has been cleared and support is rolling out to veterans more quickly.

Labor also called for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and has prioritised implementing recommendations from its Interim and Final Reports.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh:

“The most successful and vibrant Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs are the ones that have a strong sense of cooperation and involvement from veteran organisations in the community.  The significant support from the Bendigo veteran community will provide a strong foundation for their Hub.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters:

"I’m proud to announce a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will commit $5 million towards a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bendigo.

“This announcement will make such a difference for local veterans and their families in our region. It will ensure that the services and support that veterans and their families need are co-located at one site.

“I want to acknowledge the consortium of local organisations and veteran groups for their ongoing advocacy for this vital project."