Restore concession equality for NSW war widows
Restore concession equality for NSW war widows — A simple regulatory change will prevent thousands of older women from losing council rate concessions after bereavement.
Right now, 35% of NSW war widows—more than 3,000 women—are excluded from rate concessions due to an income/assets test in Section 134 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. Most Widows had access to this the concession while caring for their veteran. We’re asking the NSW Government to remove the income/assets test, so concessions continue after bereavement.
Why it matters
- Fairness: A concession kept while caring for a veteran should not be lost after bereavement.
- Impact is targeted: About 35% of widows (≈3,227) are affected; most households previously received the concession, so fiscal impact is minimal.
- Cost‑of‑living relief: Our Veteran Families Survey found 37% experienced under/unemployment in the past year and 39% worry about finances; reinstating rate concessions helps.
How you can help
Write to your NSW Government MP
Share your experience
with us
Your experience matters. Sharing it with us helps strengthen our advocacy when we meet MPs, councils, and stakeholders.
Tell us how losing the concession has affected you.
Ask your council to support reform
Frequently asked questions
Who is affected by the concession equality issue?
War widows and widowers in New South Wales under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act (VEA) or Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) who fail the Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) income and assets test lose the concession post-bereavement.
Why does this change have minimal cost?
Most affected households already received the concession before bereavement; the change largely maintains status quo.
Do I need to live in NSW to take action?
Ideally yes, this is a request to the NSW Government to amend their Regulations, advocacy from NSW based constituents is what will be most impactful.
Do I have to be a war widow to get involved?
No. Anyone can support this campaign. We provide template letters for widows and for supporters so family members, friends, and community advocates can email their local NSW MP.
Why should I get involved?
Every voice matters, the more people the NSW Government hears from the more they will understand what their community is asking of them.
Why should I share my experience?
Hearing directly about the impact of this Regulation on the lives of widows strengthens our work and the campaign, putting stories behind the numbers.