QUICK FACTS
- Tasmania is home to more than 17,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel
- More than 180 grants have been provided by our Liberal Government under the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants program
- Continued support of Tasmania’s veterans community through peak body funding to RSL Tasmania
- Ongoing support for the Veterans’ Wellbeing Voucher Program
Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, a re-elected majority Liberal Government will:
- Continue the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program.
- Provide peak body funding to RSL Tasmania.
- Continue the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize.
- Support veterans’ health through our Wellbeing Voucher Program.
An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is to continue to support our veteran community.
Tasmania has a long and distinguished military history. In fact, 15 of Australia’s 101 Victoria Cross recipients hail from our State, including Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean.
Today, Tasmania is home to more than 17,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel with many families having a personal connection to our Anzac heritage.
Increasing community attendance 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.
Continuing the Teddy Sheean VC Memorial Grants Program
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.
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.
Since its commencement in 2014, 180 grants have been approved totalling $853,692. Some of the projects that have received funding include:
- Kingston Beach RSL Sub Branch Inc, for restoration of the Kingston Beach War Memorial
- Scottsdale RSL Servicemen's Memorial and Community Club Inc, for a Memorial Mural
- Taroona Ex-Services' Club Inc, for renovation of clubrooms
- Geeveston Ex-Servicemen's and Women's Club Inc, to upgrade heating
- New Norfolk RSL Sub Branch, for repairs and renovating function rooms
- East Coast (TAS) Sub Branch Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, for aplaque for the VVAA Memorial
- Spring Bay RSL Sub-Branch Inc, to complete the new Spring Bay War Memorial site
- Swansea RSL Sub Branch Inc for roof and ceiling refurbishment
Providing peak body funding to RSL Tasmania
A re-elected majority Liberal Government is continuing to support Tasmania’s veterans community through ongoing support of RSL Tasmania.
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.
Continuing the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will 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.
Veterans’ Wellbeing Voucher Program
A re-elected majority Liberal Government will continue the Veterans’ Wellbeing Voucher Program for the next two years. The vouchers help to improve the health and wellbeing of Tasmania’s veterans with a saving on gymnasium or sports club membership fees.
Clubs Tasmania Program
Clubs Tasmania fulfils an important role supporting our community and sporting clubs. They promote and support active and healthy communities and lifestyles across Tasmania.
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.
Net Cost: $200,000
Some policies costed elsewhere