Premier David Crisafulli, Veteran Affairs Minister, Labor candidate speak on Oasis funding fight
The Veteran Affairs Minister has said the government would “work with veterans and families” but wouldn’t confirm if they would future-proof funding for a much-needed veteran organisation. DETAILS>
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The Veteran Affairs Minister says the government will “work with veterans and families to access the services and supports they need”, but wouldn’t confirm if they will back the organisation financially.
Describing Oasis Townsville’s financial struggles as “disappointing”, Minister Matt Keogh would not tell the Townsville Bulletin if funding would be provided, as promised.
Mr Keogh said he knew “how important it is for veterans and their families to have strong local support services where they can access supports and develop a community.”
He said organisations like Mates4Mates and Open Arms would remain open in Townsville, and they were “fantastic local support service for veterans and their families.”
The Oasis Townsville’s award-winning employment program has also been shut down after a state government grant ended, which Premier David Crisafulli said ended too early.
Mr Crisafulli said with the Oasis chasing funds, he would “dearly love to see both sides of parliament commit” to funding for the organisation.
In terms of the state funding for the employee program, he said it was “pretty cruel that the program was finished so abruptly.”
“I think there should have been a great funding provision into future years.”
Mr Crisafulli said the local member for Mundingaburra and Assistant Veterans Minister Janelle Poole was working hard with the organisation.
“Janelle is fighting pretty hard for it. I know John Caligari very well from his time here in Townsville,” he said.
“I am doing everything I can to try and ensure that service can continue …”
“We are confident that we will be able to do in our first budget what should have been done before and that is make sure that a world-class facility run by some really good people can continue their same capacity.”
Mr Crisafulli said he would like to see Canberra “muscle in a little bit too”, in regards to the federal funding.
Lieutenant General Caligari told the Bulletin earlier in the week the organisation had not been given any reason for the delay in funding.
One of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide, which the federal government agreed to honour in principle, calls for national funding of veterans and families hubs across the country.
“We are hunkered down to survive and do the best job we can for the veteran community until Recommendation 86 is funded,” he said.
“In the meantime, we’re hoping the Queensland government will come to the party and reinstate the employment program at least,”
Federal Labor candidate Edwina Andrew said she said had met with Mr Caligari and said the service was doing “amazing stuff”.
“For me personally, I know if I am elected I will always stand up for veterans and advocate for them, for any services they need,” Ms Andrew said.
A Commonwealth-led Implementation Taskforce has been established within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, which will provide advice into actions required including the establishment of a new agency in the Department of Veteran Affairs, focused on wellbeing.
Townsville’s Oasis is one of 17 Veteran’s and Families’ Hubs across the country.
The organisation have had to reduce their number of staff from 16 to four and have had to reduce services, as they hope for a cash lifeline.
Originally published as Premier David Crisafulli, Veteran Affairs Minister, Labor candidate speak on Oasis funding fight
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