Veteran suicide royal commission highlights need for Mackay Hub for Heroes

‘It will definitely reinforce the need for multiple extra services including this (Hub for our Heroes) that we’re going to develop at Kinchant Dam’

Heidi Petith and Heidi.Petith@news.com.au

3 min read

April 19, 2021 - 3:38PM

Save our heroes: Why we need a royal commission into veteran suicides

Mackay

Don't miss out on the headlines from Mackay. Followed categories will be added to My News.

A Mackay veteran says it is “about time” the prime minister announced a royal commission into Australia’s alarming rate of veterans’ and defence force personnel suicide.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in announcing the inquiry on Monday, said the rate was “unacceptably high” with suicide prevention a priority for the federal government.

“In recognising the sacrifices made by our serving and former members, and their families, on behalf of the nation, we owe it to members, veterans and their families to continue to take action,” Mr Morrison said.

Mackay Vietnam War veteran Leslie Palmer, whose service resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, said the inquiry would emphasise the need for more services such the a revolutionary wellness and treatment centre at Kinchant Dam for which the Daily Mercury’s Hub for our Heroes is campaigning.

Mackay Vietnam War veteran Leslie 'Les' Palmer. Picture: Heidi Petith

Mr Palmer said the ADF had to invest more in winding down personnel to be able to cope with “civvy life” – life after service.

“Every little bit helps,” Mr Palmer said.

PTSD Frontline chairman Dr Peter Wirth said he prayed the government would adopt the findings of what he said would be a “very polarising” Royal Commission.

PTSD Frontline Chairman Dr Peter Wirth. Picture: Heidi Petith

“Otherwise it will be a very, very expensive exercise in providing answers we already know,” Dr Wirth said.

“If it does achieve things, that’s fantastic but it cannot replace or suspend ongoing projects that are trying to achieve good outcomes now.

“It’s going to take time, it’s going to cost a lot of money, it’s going to stir up a lot of people’s emotions but the findings may not be implemented.

“I think the motivation from some people is accountability, which is understandable, but it won’t bring people back.

Mackay veteran and VC recipient Keith Payne (left), pictured with PTSD Frontline chairman Dr Peter Wirth (centre), son Colin Payne and wife Florence, is backing the campaign to develop a veterans and first responders treatment centre at Kinchant Dam as part of the Daily Mercury's Hub for our Heroes campaign. Picture: Heidi Petith

“It will definitely reinforce the need for multiple extra services including this hub that we’re going to develop at Kinchant Dam.”

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester said the Royal Commission would be an opportunity to reset the understanding of veterans’ suicide and unite government, the ex-service community and families.

“As a nation we take great pride in the men and women who have served our nation in uniform, and as a government we have committed to help them with any mental or physical issues that are a result,” Mr Chester said.

Subscriber benefits:

How to activate your free Courier-Mail subscription

How to get Daily Mercury news straight to your inbox

Three commissioners are expected to lead the inquiry with consultation for their appointment under way.

RSL Queensland president Tony Ferris said the organisation looked forward to reviewing the Royal Commission’s draft Terms of Reference and urged the National Commissioner to consult broadly with veterans, their families and community groups.

“(The inquiry) will be a substantial step towards reconciling the debt our nation owes our brave service personnel,” Mr Ferris said.