New vet payment

VETERANS waiting for compensation claims will be able to access a new payment after measures to reduce suicide cleared parliament.

Families of current and former Defence Force members will get additional support including childcare, and counselling after legislation passed the Senate.

The reforms are part of the government’s response to a bipartisan Senate inquiry into veteran suicide, which called for a support network overhaul. A payment for veterans with mental health issues who are unable to work will also be established.