North East campaigners are pleased an independent inquiry will examine a Defence superannuation system they say has cheated thousands of former service personnel.
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Defence Personnel Minister Darren Chester announced on Monday an inquiry into the information provided by scheme administrators and relevant departments to members of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits superannuation scheme.
"Differing opinions on the issue of DFRDB superannuation have been raised on a regular basis and this government-initiated inquiry will provide a formal opportunity for veterans to express their views," he said.
The announcement particularly referred to the scheme's commutation arrangements, which allowed members to commute or exchange part of their pension for a lump sum.
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Jim Hislop, of Wodonga, and Rutherglen's Herb Ellerbock, who have lobbied for years to amend Defence superannuation legislation, welcomed the news.
"This is the first time that we have seen any recognition from anybody in government that there is an issue here," Mr Ellerbock said.
"I believe this has been brought about by pressure from the ex-service community so at last someone's listened to us," Mr Hislop added, also noting the timing of a looming federal election.
The pair has a meeting scheduled with the minister on the Border this week.
Submissions to the inquiry will be able to raise any other concerns relevant to the scheme.
Mr Chester said the terms of reference and timeframe would be developed "in consultation with senior representatives of ex-service organisations in the near future".
The DFRDB scheme was established in 1972 and closed to new members in 1991.
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