Mr Mossfield asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 30 October 1996:

Will the Government increase the sum that war veterans may earn without impacting upon their pensions; if not, what means are available to veterans to assist themselves financially.

Mr Scott —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

The maximum amount of income a single service pensioner or service pensioner couple can earn before their pensions are reduced, known as the `income free area', is increased each July in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index. Accordingly, the income free area was increased in July 1996 from $94 to $98 per fortnight for a single pensioner, and from $164 to $172 per fortnight combined for members of a pensioner couple.

This means that, at the present time, a single service pensioner can earn up to $98 per fortnight and can also receive a pension of $346.40 per fortnight, making a total of $444.40 per fortnight.

Similarly, a service pensioner couple can earn up to $172 (combined) per fortnight and can also receive their combined pension of $577.80 per fortnight, making a total of $749.80.

The above income free areas are the same which apply to pensions paid by the Department of Social Security.