“The principle of a rewards card for veterans is a good one but it depends on how widely it is accepted,” he said.
“It would need to be better than something like a Seniors Card to work really well I think.”
Launched last week by the Federal Government, the new Veteran Card scheme and covenant pack gives members access to discounts and other offers as practical demonstration of thanks and respect.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians had a great deal of respect for those who had served our nation in the uniforms of the Navy, Army and Air Force.
“The broader recognition package we’ve developed which includes the Veterans Covenant, the lapel pin and card, is a way each and every one of us, including the business community, can say to our veterans ‘thank you for your service’,” he said.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester, launched the card with representatives from other participating businesses and Australian Partners of Defence (APOD), which is partnering with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to connect clients with the business community.
“There is no set criteria for how businesses choose to show that respect and recognition, but I have no doubt we will see the numbers grow,” Mr Chester said.
For more information, visit apod.com.au.
Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling, provides 24/7 free and confidential support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families; call 1800 011 046 or visit OpenArms.gov.au.
• More than 500 businesses and companies are already on board with the Veterans Card discount scheme including: Caltex Australia, Westpac, JB Hi-Fi, Thrifty, Marley Spoon, Samsung Electronics Australia, Puma, Qantas, Hertz, McDonalds, Booktopia, Sony, Apple, RM Williams, Specsavers, Bob Jane T-Marts, Just Cuts, David Jones, The Good Guys, Myer, Big W, Coles, Woolworths, Barbeques Gallore, Harvey Norman, EB Games, Hoyts, Freedom, Event Cinemas, BWS, Dan Murphys, Kmart, BCF, Super Cheap Auto, Target, and Boost Juice.
