Thousands of offers are now available to Veteran Card holders from businesses across Australia. This is part of the Australian Defense Veterans’ Covenant which passed Parliament recently.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Veteran Card is providing the opportunity for businesses and organisations to show their support of veterans.

“So far around 500 businesses are on board, making over 10,000 offers available for Veteran Card holders, both over the counter and online,” Mr Hogan said.

“This new card will be available to all veterans as a sign of respect and recognition for their service. Bringing corporate Australia on board will be a tangible benefit to the veteran community.

“We are proud to be partnering with APOD — an organisation founded and run by veteran families for veteran families — to ensure veterans can easily find eligible local businesses in their area.

“I encourage veterans and reservists who have not already registered for the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant, which includes the Lapel Pin and Oath, to do so through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs online portal, MyService (dva.gov.au/myservice).

“If you’re a local business, get on board and support the Australian Defence Veterans’ Covenant.

“Businesses can sign up to support the Covenant at apod.com.au/about/advertise while community organisations can register with DVA through recognition.dva.gov.au.

“The service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families to our nation is profound, and supporting our veterans through this program is a positive way to recognise that.

Once card holders are registered with apod.com.au, they can gain access to offers from businesses by searching online and using a unique offer code. Existing DVA Health Card holders can register directly through APOD or when they apply for the Covenant through MyService.

Businesses honouring the Veteran Card include retailers, travel and tourism operators, accommodation and car hire, entertainment, hospitality, restaurants, as well as service and trade industries such as gyms to automotive mechanics. Offers are generally discounts on goods, gift cards and services, and range from 2.5 per cent to 40 per cent off.

The Covenant encourages better recognition of the unique nature of military service and helps Australia’s veterans connect with the broader community.

Covenant packs – which include the lapel pin and oath – for those who have already registered are being sent out by mail.