C25/2003 INCREASE TO MAXIMUM AMOUNTS UNDER SCHEDULES 1 AND 3 OF THE VEHICLE ASSISTANCE SCHEME (VAS)

Purpose

The amounts available under schedules 1 and 3 in the Vehicle Assistance Scheme have been increased.

Vehicle Assistance Scheme

The Vehicle Assistance Scheme (VAS) allows eligible veterans to receive assistance for the purchase of a vehicle and for the purchase of a replacement vehicle after the trade-in or sale of the initial vehicle.  Eligible veterans are those with an incapacity from war-caused injury or disease as specified in sub-sections 105 (5) and 105 (7) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).

Review of VAS Amounts

On 4 July 2003 the Commission approved a submission to increase the amounts specified under schedules 1 and 3 of the VAS.  These amounts had not been reviewed since the new VAS came into effect on 1 November 1997.

New Amounts

Schedule 1:  The new maximum value of an initial motor vehicle that may be purchased under the VAS is $39,810.

Schedule 3:  The new maximum replacement motor vehicle grant available under the VAS is $19,905.

Date of Effect

Under subsection 105 (3) of the VEA, the new amounts come into effect on the date they are approved by the Minister.  The new VAS was approved by the Minister under subsection 105 (3) of the VEA on 19 August 2003.