DVA Gold Card Concessions for Tasmania: Your Complete Guide to State Benefits and Savings
Ever wondered how much you could save with DVA Gold Card concessions for Tasmania? From public transport discounts to reduced council rates, these benefits can make a real difference to your budget—but knowing exactly what you’re entitled to isn’t always straightforward. We understand how confusing the DVA system can feel, especially when benefits vary by card type and provider. In this guide, we’ll break it down step-by-step so you can confidently claim every concession you’ve earned—let’s get started.
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Your Guide to Tasmania DVA Gold Card Benefits
The concessions available to Tasmanian veterans depend on your specific Gold Card type and what's embossed on it. Veterans with cards marked TPI (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated) or EDA (Extreme Disablement Adjustment) receive the most comprehensive benefits, while standard Gold Card holders still access substantial discounts.
According to the Tasmanian Government Guide, eligibility varies between card types. Your entitlements also depend on whether you're the primary cardholder or a dependent. It's worth checking your card's specific embossing to understand your full range of benefits.
Many veterans don't realise that Tasmanian concessions require separate applications - they're not automatic just because you hold a Gold Card. Each service provider or government department has its application process, which we'll explain throughout this guide.
Free Public Transport for TPI and EDA Veterans
Tasmania provides a variety of public transport concessions to make travel more affordable for eligible adults and veterans. Concessions vary depending on the type of card or eligibility.
Adult Travel Concession
Adult concession fares on public buses and the River Derwent ferry are 50% off, with an extra 20% discount when using a smartcard or 10-trip ticket. Eligible passengers include adults 70+, DVA Gold Cards marked War Widow, and adult students.
Free Travel for TPI and EDA Veterans
Holders of a DVA Veteran Gold Card embossed with TPI or EDA are entitled to free travel on public buses, the River Derwent ferry, and Area Connect services in Tasmania. For Metro Tasmania buses, veterans must first register for and use a Greencard, as simply presenting the Gold Card is not sufficient. Registration can be completed online or at a Metro Tasmania shop, after which all Metro bus travel will be free.
Vehicle Registration and Licensing Concessions
Tasmania provides some of the most generous vehicle concessions for DVA Gold Card holders, with the level of benefits depending on the type of card.
Vehicle Concession and Discounts
These concessions only apply to one vehicle registered in the eligible person’s name, with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 4.5 tonnes.
Duty on vehicle registration: 100% exemption on vehicle registration applications and transfers for DVA TPI Gold Card holders.
Motor tax: 100% exemption for DVA Gold Card (TPI) holders, or a 40% rebate for standard DVA Gold Card holders on non-business goods-carrying vehicles.
Vehicle registration: DVA Gold Card holders receive concessions on 12-month registrations – motor vehicles (under 4.5 tonnes, excluding motorcycles) $60.20, motorcycles $55.07, and trailers (including caravans) are also discounted.
Driver's Licence Fee Reductions
DVA Gold card holders under 65 years can receive savings of between $13.09 and $63.58, depending on the licence period. For drivers aged 65 years and over, the licence fee is waived, though a $12.64 photo fee still applies.
Council Rates Reduction
The Council Rates Reduction in Tasmania provides eligible pensioners with a remission of 30% of their council rates and charges, up to a prescribed maximum amount. Eligibility includes holders of a DVA Gold Card inscribed with TPI or War Widow/Widower. To qualify, you must hold the card by 1 July each year, reside in the property as your principal place of residence, and be legally responsible for the rates. Applications are usually made to your local council by a deadline such as 31 March. Retrospective claims may be available under certain conditions.
Water and Sewerage Discounts
For 2025–26, eligible TasWater customers can get up to $242.56 off annual charges, $121.28 each for water and sewerage.
You must:
Be the account holder and live at the property as your main home.
An eligible concession card, including DVA Veterans Gold Card.
Apply directly to TasWater with your card details from 1 July 2025 to receive the full discount. Concessions start from the date your application is received and are not backdated. Only your principal residence is eligible, and proof of occupancy may be required.
Health and Medical Concessions
Beyond the comprehensive medical coverage your Gold Card provides, Tasmania offers additional health-related concessions. The Department of Health Tasmania provides various support programs, though Gold Card holders are excluded from some due to DVA already covering these services.
Pharmaceutical Benefits
Concessions apply to medications dispensed through Tasmanian public hospitals, including for patients discharged from hospital, those attending the emergency department, or outpatient clinics.
DVA Gold Card holders receive medications at the concessional rate of $7.70 per prescription under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). Once the Safety Net threshold is reached, prescriptions are supplied free for the rest of the calendar year.
Visual Aids
Subsidies of up to $436.05 per item are available for glasses, low vision aids, prostheses, and intraocular implants. To be eligible, you must be a permanent Tasmanian resident for at least three months (refugees exempt), meet the means test, hold a DVA Gold Card, and not be able to claim the cost through insurance or another source.
Australia Post and Telecommunications Discounts
DVA Veteran Gold Card holders can benefit from Australia Post concessions by applying for a free MyPost Concession account. This includes a 40% discount on stamps (60¢ each instead of $1.70), with up to 50 discounted stamps available annually in booklets of five, and five free stamps upon setup. They are also eligible for discounted mail redirection services. You can apply at your local post office using your Gold Card.
Telstra offers concessions to DVA Gold Card holders, including monthly discounts on eligible home phone and mobile plans. Contact Telstra directly to discuss available options and ensure you’re receiving all applicable discounts.
How to Maximise Your Tasmania Concessions
Getting the most from your Gold Card concessions requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps to ensure you’re not missing out:
Identify Eligible Services: Make a list of all services you use, check which offer DVA concessions, and remember that many veterans miss out simply because they don’t know to ask.
Contact Service Providers: Reach out to each provider with your Gold Card details, don’t assume concessions are applied automatically, and keep copies of all applications and confirmations for your records.
Review and Update Regularly: Check your concessions at least once a year, and stay informed about new concessions through DVA updates and local veterans’ organisations.
Getting Professional Help With Your DVA Entitlements
Accessing all your Gold Card concessions can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple providers and government departments. If you're unsure about your entitlements or need help maximising your benefits, professional assistance can make a significant difference.
Our Gold and White Cards service helps veterans understand their full range of entitlements and makes certain they're not missing out on valuable concessions. We can review your current benefits and identify additional support you may be eligible for.
For veterans approaching the 60-point threshold for Gold Card eligibility, our Permanent Impairment Claims service provides expert guidance through the assessment process. Many veterans don't realise how close they are to qualifying for a Gold Card and its associated benefits.
Make the Most of Your Tasmania Gold Card Benefits
Tasmania offers DVA Gold Card holders valuable concessions, from travel savings to reduced council rates, designed to make everyday life easier. These savings are not automatic, so take the first step and then work through each category to claim what is yours. Acting promptly means you can maximise your entitlements from day one. Contact Veterans First Consulting today to get expert guidance and secure every benefit you’ve earned.
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