Defence families are to receive additional benefits through a new health care program.
The Government has launched the National Australian Defence Force Family Health Program, which will provide additional support to ADF members and their families in acknowledgement of their service and sacrifice.
ADF members and their families face unique challenges such as regular postings every two to three years, which means access to routine health care may be disrupted.
This initiative will help ease the pressures on Defence families, who fulfil the vital role of supporting their uniformed loved ones.
Under the program, every dependant of full time ADF members and reservists on continuous full time service will be eligible, regardless of where they live in Australia.
In the Flinders electorate, there are 834 dependant spouses and children who are eligible to receive this assistance. I urge these families to take advantage of this valuable program.
Each eligible ADF dependant will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses when visiting their general practitioner, and may claim additional allied health services such as physiotherapy, dentistry and mental health support.
The work of ADF members is invaluable and this initiative will go some way to giving back to the men, women and their families who have done so much for our country.
For more information on the program and to register, visit www.defence.gov.au/health/dependant_healthcare/i-healthcare.htm