Martha HAYLETT (Ripon) (13:21):

Over the past month my office and I have single-handedly helped more than 50 veterans across Ripon apply for the Victorian veterans card. I have held two morning teas in Ararat and Maryborough with the local RSL sub-branches to help members take advantage of this fantastic Labor government initiative. I want to give a big thankyou to Lyn Russell, Frank Neulist, Scott Rigby, Greg Dalmayer and the Ararat RSL sub-branch for helping spread the word far and wide from Skipton to Avoca, Moonambel and even Daylesford, outside of my electorate. A big thankyou also to Danny McIvor, Lee Turton, Ben Holscher and the Maryborough RSL sub-branch for hosting me yesterday arvo too.

These brave men sacrificed their lives for our nation, and they continue to give back to our community through their volunteer efforts every single day. They deserve our ongoing recognition, appreciation and support. Our state is home to more than 100,000 veterans, but we know that 60,000 of them are not currently connected to any existing concession schemes. That is why the state Labor government introduced the Victorian veterans card. It is an Australian first and entitles every veteran in Victoria to 100 bucks off their car or motorbike rego, free trailer and caravan rego, free boat and fishing licences, free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day and access to dedicated employment programs. I will always back our local veterans, and I look forward to supporting more across Ripon to sign up to the veterans card soon.