The Government has confirmed that it did not consult with Ex-Service Organisations before it cut funding to the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program last year, the Australian Greens said.

The Government confirmed last night during Senate Estimates that the cuts to the BEST program are here to stay.

“I am extremely concerned that these cuts were put in place without any consultation of Ex-Service Organisations. Their feedback to me is that they increasingly rely on volunteers to assist veterans and their families to access their legitimate entitlements,” Greens spokesperson for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Penny Wright, said.

“There is a whole new generation of Afghanistan and Iraq veterans who have just returned or are yet to return home. It is imperative that these men and women receive help to navigate an increasingly complex system so they receive adequate entitlements. 

“The invaluable role of Ex-Service Organisations in assisting veterans and their families must be properly acknowledged, supported and funded.

“It would be a great injustice if any veteran were to fall through the gaps due to these funding cuts.  

“As a nation we owe veterans, and their families, the care and support they need.  It’s the least we can do for people who were willing to sacrifice so much to serve Australia.”