Aussies businesses show thanks to 300,000 veterans with special discounts
Hundreds of Aussie businesses are thanking Aussie Diggers by offering discounts of up to 40 per cent for ex-servicemen and women, in a bid to ease their cost of living.
NSW
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Hundreds of companies have signed up to a Digger discount scheme which, from Sunday, unlocks special deals on everything from groceries to holidays and petrol.
New figures from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs estimate as many as 300,000 veterans will have access to more than 10,000 discounted goods and services from 500 businesses.
Australians who served in the army, navy or air force, and any reservist with at least one day’s service, will be able to get cuts of up to 40 per cent over the counter and online.
The federal scheme aims to thank war heroes and veterans for their service by cutting the cost of living.
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More than 28,000 veterans and reservists have already applied for the scheme.
The companies that will offer Digger discounts include Harvey Norman, Caltex, Coles, Woolworths, Hilton Hotels, Apple and P&O Cruises.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester will launch the scheme in Canberra on Sunday, describing the program as a practical way to respect and recognise service.
“Much like the lapel pin gives everyday Australians the opportunity to recognise veterans and thank them for their service, the offers available through the veteran card allow the business community to show its thanks,” he said.
Just months after the scheme was announced in late 2018 the department revealed that while dozens of businesses had expressed interest in the program, none had formally signed up. Since then 500 companies have agreed to take part in the project, based on a similar discount program that operates in the US and Canada.
JB Hi-Fi will offer one of the biggest discounts to ex-servicemen and women, with savings of up to 40 per cent. Specsavers will also offer war heroes 25 per cent off.
The more than 28,000 veterans and reservists who have already applied for the scheme will receive their revamped veterans cards from this week. Mr Chester expects more businesses to sign up.
“I encourage all businesses to get on board with the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant and show their respect and recognition for those who have served to defend our nation,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s a way for our business community to offer something that is either practical support or a discount to support our veterans in the community.”