Among other things, Townsville is a garrison town. If soldiers and their families are doing it tough in a city where unemployment is more than 11 per cent, twice the national average, resources here are really stretched to try to give them support. Too many veterans are falling through the cracks here and in […]

The Hon Dan Tehan Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer Minister for Revenue & Financial Services TAXATION TREATMENT OF SUPERANNUATION INCOME STREAMS It has been a longstanding feature of the Australian superannuation system that military personnel and military invalidity pensioners are subject to tax on their superannuation income streams. Under the Commonwealth […]

This ABC Brisbane Radio 612 4QR’s Steve Austin interview of David Jamison (DFWA) today (Friday 7th July) continues on from yesterday’s program. Unexpectantly DVA Minister Dan Tehan calls in to explain the matter. This is another must listen to radio broadcast Steve Austin’s introduction start at 15:35minutes David Jamison commences at 18:26 minutes to end […]

  Senator Katy Gallagher (Shadow Minister for Small Business and  Financial Services)  and The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP (Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Labor is growing increasingly concerned of reports Government changes to superannuation legislation will adversely impact a number of veterans. Labor has sought an urgent briefing from the Government on the Treasury Laws […]

This ABC Brisbane Radio 612 4QR’s Steve Austin interview of Col Ray Martin (Retd) (past CO 1 RAR) today highlighted the issue. This is a must listen to radio broadcast Following the interview five callers affected by the Tax legislation explain the facts of the matter and the impact on their lives. Steve Austin Introduction: Start […]

Recent News Items Concerning Tax Treatment of Veteran Invalidity Benefit Payments – Does It Affect YOU? 1. The Tax changes do not affect any DVA Pension (incl TPI) in any way. 2. The Tax changes only affect those who: • receive DFRDB or MSBS Class A or Class B Invalidity Benefits, AND • applied for a […]

#VETERANS  CLAWBACK The background to this issue was reported here “Government Targets Comsuper Invalidity Benefits for some Veterans from 1 July this year”, and here at COMSUPER – MILITARY ENTITLEMENTS WIN TV News Townsville reported the issue last Thursday (29th June) as ‘  VETERANS VALUE: Concerning news for several hundred war veterans, tonight. Changes to legislation governing superannuation […]

Tehan Media Release – Response to National Mental Health Commission Review The Government is delivering improved mental health support for current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families. The Government today (30th June 2017) outlined the work it is doing on mental health and suicide prevention in its response to the National Mental […]

UNLIKE every other Australian state, Queensland does not yet have a dedicated minister for veterans’ affairs. It does have a Veterans Advisory Council Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls recently announced that the LNP, if elected, would create such a ministry. While veterans’ affairs remain predominantly a Federal Government responsibility, creating a state-based veterans’ department can enhance […]

On 1 July some veterans on DFRDB/MSBS Invalidity Pensions who upon application, have had their taxation adjusted to the correct lower rate, i.e. the rate that applies to civilians with similar invalidity payments. This adjustment followed work from a number of successful private rulings from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Apparently, following representations from ComSuper […]