The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP has welcomed the latest round of funding for local Veteran support services in Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Howard.
The Federal Government’s 2026-27 Building Excellence in Support and Training Grants (BEST) Program enables ex-service organisations (ESOs) to deliver free compensation and wellbeing advocacy services.
“This funding contributes directly to the work of advocates and support staff at our local RSL sub branches, Bundaberg Legacy and also Veterans of Australia,” Mr Batt said.
“Advocates provide veterans and family members of veterans with advice and assistance about claims, entitlements and services.”
President of the Hervey Bay RSL Sub Branch Brad Gray said the support doesn’t fully fund local efforts, but it provides significant assistance.
“Every service that we provide costs us money, and expenses such as wages, electricity, fuel and registration keep rising,” Mr Gray said.
“The BEST Program helps us deliver professional advice and to help veterans through the work of both our paid and volunteer advocates.”
In response to Recommendation 99 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, the BEST Program has increased and restructured the funding available:
- The total program funding has increased from $4.8 million in 2025-26 up to $58.6 million over 3 years from 2026-27 to 2028-29
- The grant agreements have been lengthened from 12 months to 3 years meaning successful applicants will receive funding through to 2028-29, with application rounds now opening every 3 years.
Meanwhile, Mr Batt is escalating calls to ‘scrap the cap’ in the ongoing campaign demanding the Labor Government promptly re-evaluates the arbitrary cap on veterans’ allied health care services.
“This is causing great harm and distress to our veteran community,” Mr Batt said.
Veterans have said they no longer have faith in the minister.
The Government has failed to listen and consult. We will hold them to account to get this policy right.
Now is the time to stand together, make our voices heard and fight for those who have fought for us.”
Mr Gray backed the position of the Federal Member for Hinkler and said he has close veteran mates who have allied health sessions with up to four health professionals.
“These have all been recommended and referred to by GPs for ongoing health issues. How many visits will $5,000 cover? Not many!” Mr Gray said.
The Government must not penalise veterans who are accessing clinically required and doctor approved allied health. What does the veterans covenant say? It pledges support for veterans and families putting them first.
My message to the current Labor Government is simple. Honour the covenant.
More info on the BEST Program:
The BEST Program provides longer-term funding certainty and stability to ESOs for the employment of advocates whether they are paid or volunteer. For the first time, the program also offers funding to support trainee advocates to enable ESOs to build their advocacy workforce. While the BEST Program also provides funding for other eligible expenses, it is not designed to fully fund an organisation.
Approved grants for Hinkler 2026/27:
- Bundaberg Legacy Inc: $153,973
- RSL of Australia (Queensland Branch) Bundaberg Sub Branch Inc: $111,035
- RSL Australia (Queensland Branch) Hervey Bay Sub- Branch Inc: $217,607
- RSL of Australia (Queensland Branch) Howard District Sub Branch Incorporated: $6,000
- Veterans of Australia Association Inc: $92,840