Serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or being a veteran comes with numerous benefits, including access to a wide range of discounts and concessions. These perks are designed to acknowledge your service and support your financial wellbeing. This comprehensive guide outlines various available ADF discounts for members and veterans across Australia, helping you make the most of your entitlements.
National Discount Programs
Australian Partners of Defence (APOD)
APOD is a membership program offering exclusive discounts to the defence community. Members can enjoy savings on travel, attractions, entertainment, retail, and more. Founded by veteran families, APOD collaborates with businesses nationwide to provide meaningful benefits. To access these discounts, sign up on their website and browse the extensive list of offers.
Defence Health
Defence Health offers private health insurance plans with competitive premiums for ADF members, veterans, and their families. They provide a range of coverage options to suit different needs, ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
State-Specific Concessions
Each Australian state and territory offers unique benefits and Australian Defence Force discounts to veterans and ADF personnel:
Victoria
The Victorian Government provides the Veterans Card – Victoria, granting discounts such as $100 off vehicle registration, free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, free trailer and caravan registration, and exemptions from fishing licenses. These benefits aim to ease the financial burden on veterans residing in Victoria.
New South Wales
Veterans in NSW may be eligible for concessions on public transport, including discounted fares and free travel on specific days. Additionally, there are discounts on vehicle registration and various local government services. It’s advisable to check with local councils and the NSW transport authority for detailed information.
Queensland
The state offers concessions on utilities, including electricity and gas, for eligible veterans. There are also discounts on public transport and vehicle registration. Veterans can apply for these concessions through the Queensland Government’s concessions portal.
Phone & Communication Services Discounts
Veterans across Australia can access discounted phone and internet services to help reduce communication costs. Telstra, a leading telecommunications provider, offers exclusive discounts to eligible veterans holding a Veteran Gold Card or Pensioner Concession Card. These concessions assist veterans in managing their monthly communication expenses nationwide.
Telstra Concessions
Telstra provides a range of concessions for eligible cardholders, including:
- Mobile Services: A $19 monthly discount on the Starter Mobile Plan, which includes unlimited standard national calls and texts and 5GB of data.
- Home Internet: A $65 Starter Internet Plan offering 50GB of data and unlimited standard calls to local, national, and Australian mobiles.
- Home Phone: A $10 monthly discount on the Ultimate Voice plan or Upfront Home Phone plan.
These discounts are available to eligible veterans across all states and territories, including the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Queensland.
Household and Utility Discounts
Victoria
- Utility Concessions: Holders of a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card are eligible for discounts on electricity and gas bills. The Non-Mains Energy Concession assists those using alternative energy sources like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), firewood, or heating oil.
- Property Rate Reductions: Local councils may offer rate reductions to eligible veterans, easing the financial burden of home ownership.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Utility Concessions: Veterans with a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) or Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card can receive discounts on electricity, water, and sewerage services, making household utilities more affordable.
South Australia
- Energy Bill Concessions: Eligible veterans can apply for energy bill concessions to reduce electricity and gas expenses. The application process is streamlined through an online form covering multiple household concessions.
Vehicle Registration and Licensing Discounts
Victoria
- Vehicle Registration: Veterans holding a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card embossed with ‘WAR WIDOW’ or ‘WAR WIDOWER’ are entitled to a 50% discount on registration fees and the Transport Accident Charge (TAC) fee. Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) veterans receive a 100% discount on registration fees and a 50% discount on the TAC fee.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s Licenses: PCC holders are entitled to a 100% discount on vehicle registration fees. Additionally, PCC and Gold Card holders receive a 100% fee discount on the issuance or renewal of provisional, full, or national heavy vehicle licenses.
South Australia
- Registration and Licensing Concessions: Eligible veterans may receive a 50% reduction in vehicle registration fees and driver’s license fees. There is also an exemption from stamp duty on compulsory third-party insurance for one motor vehicle or motorcycle.
How to Access These Discounts
To take advantage of these benefits:
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you have valid identification, such as a Defence ID card, DVA card, or relevant service documentation.
- Register with Discount Programs: Sign up for memberships with organisations like APOD or DefCom to access a wide range of offers.
- Inquire Directly: When dealing with businesses, always ask if they provide ADF or veteran discounts in Australia, as some offers may not be widely advertised.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check official government websites and trusted veteran support organisations for the latest information on available concessions and discounts.
Get Guidance with DVA Claims
Navigating the complexities of ADF and veteran discounts can feel challenging. At KSC, our veteran-led team is dedicated to ensuring you receive all the benefits and support you deserve. From understanding available discounts to assisting with DVA claims and appeals, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you advocate for your entitlements.
