Gallantry Award to Increase
The rate at which the War Disablement Pension Gallantry Allowance is paid will increase from 9 June 2011, Minister of Veterans' Affairs Judith Collins announced today.
The allowance is paid to veterans who receive a War Disablement Pension and have one of the gallantry decorations listed in the War Pensions Act 1954. The decorations are:
The Victoria Cross
The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)
The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Navy)
The Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Flying Cross
The Distinguished Flying Medal
The Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Medal
The Distinguished Service Order
The Military Cross
The Military Medal
The increase fulfils a Government promise to increase the allowance to $30 a week. Currently, the allowance is $10.49 a week.
"The Government believes the present allowance is inadequate. We have taken this step to increase the allowance as it is important to recognise those who have shown great courage in the service of their country," Ms Collins said.
There are currently 105 recipients of the allowance.