Former POWs to receive pension boost

Surviving prisoners-of-war are to receive an extra $500 a fortnight in their pension as recognition of the severe hardship and deprivations they experienced in the service of their country.
The measure, outlined in the budget, comes into force now that the legislation has passed parliament.
Veterans Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon said more than 30,000 Australians became prisoners during the Second World War and the Korean War and their hardships in captivity were well known.
He said it was expected around 900 former POWs would benefit from the new benefit with the first payment reaching recipients on October 6.
This money will be in addition to any existing benefits and will treated as exempt income for the purposes of income tax and veterans entitlements and social security income tests.