Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation and resettlement of soldiers was termed ‘repatriation’ by the government - returning soldiers needed to be reintegrated into society, and assistance given to wounded and disabled soldiers who were unable to work due to their injuries or state of health. Initially, the government acted by updating pension legislation to cover disabled soldiers, and a Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act was established to allow the state to purchase land for resale to returning servicemen. Veterans could then buy cheap farms, through allocation or by land ballot. Later through a Repatriation Department and district repatriation boards, apprenticeships were offered, vocational and on-the-job training subsidised, and employment sought for veterans. Cheap business loans were provided, as were loans for tools, equipment and furniture.