The federal government will put up almost $7 million for initial planning of a new centre showcasing the achievements of Australian soldiers on the Western Front in World War I.
The $6.9 million will be used to develop a business case for development of the centre at Villers-Bretonneux in France.
The government hopes it will be an enduring legacy of the centenary of Anzac.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott foreshadowed the new centre earlier in 2013 pointing out that latter period of WWI was the only time when Australian soldiers fought on the main battlefield of a world conflict and made a significant contribution to the outcome.
The government will deliver more than $12 billion in overall funding for veterans, including $6.5 billion in pensions and income support and $5.4 billion in health services.
Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Ronaldson says the government will strengthen vital services including those for mental health.
There will be greater access to a counselling service for ex-service personnel and their families, including those who served on border protection and in disaster relief missions in Australia and overseas.
There also will be greater access for veterans for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions without the need to establish a link to service.
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