Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will continue to be the strongest supporters of our veterans and the veterans’ community.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Guy Barnett, said Tasmania was home to more than 17,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel with many families having a personal connection to our ANZAC heritage

“Increasing community attendances at ANZAC Day services shows that the service and sacrifice of our veterans is honoured by Tasmanians as much now as in years gone by,” Minister Barnett said

A re-elected majority Liberal Government will support our veterans by providing funding to peak body RSL Tasmania and continue supporting Veterans Health through our Wellbeing Voucher Program.

“The Liberals’ will continue to support Tasmania’s Veterans’ community through ongoing support of RSL Tasmania,” Minister Barnett said.

“We will continue to deliver on our annual peak body funding packages for RSL Tasmania for programs that help it improve service delivery and continuing to recognise RSL Tasmania as the peak body for Tasmanian Veterans.

“The Veterans’ Wellbeing Voucher Program - which helps to improve the health and wellbeing of Tasmania’s Veterans with a saving on sports club or gym membership fees - has also been secured for the next two years.

“Additionally, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will provide $1.5 million over three years to ensure clubs Tasmania can continue to provide advice, information, and support to improve the organisational capability of Tasmanian community clubs, sporting clubs, and RSL clubs.

“Clubs Tasmania fulfils an important role ensuring our community and sporting clubs can promote and support active, healthy communities and lifestyle across Tasmania.”

Tasmania has a long and distinguished military history with 15 Tasmanians among Australia’s 101 Victoria Cross recipients, including the most recent Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean.

The Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program has been funded consistently by a Liberal Government since our election in 2014 as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by Tasmanian Sailor, Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean VC, who gave his life for his country and fellow shipmates during a battle in 1942 off the coast of East Timor.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Guy Barnett, said that a re-elected majority Liberal Government will continue the grants program providing another $200,000 for small infrastructure projects, including repairs and maintenance and equipment, for RSLs throughout the State, as well as the construction of war memorials, repairs and maintenance, and welfare initiatives for the veteran community.

“We will also continue its support for the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize which is seeing a significant number of Year 9 Tasmanian students entering the essay-based competition and further appreciating Tasmania’s rich military history and the ANZAC spirit.”