Labor Leader Anthony Albanese ‘heartbroken’ by suicide death of Julie-Ann Finney’s veteran son

It was my honour to meet Julie-Ann Finney. She shared with me the circumstances of the death of her son David, a former Royal Australian Navy sailor who took his own life in February. As a father, I found Julie-Ann’s story heartbreaking.

• Albo backs Royal Commission into veteran deaths

Last Thursday it was my honour to meet Julie-Ann Finney.

Julie-Ann outlined the circumstances of the death of her son David, a former Royal Australian Navy sailor who took his own life in February.

As a father, I found Julie-Ann’s story heartbreaking. No mother or father should have to bury their child in such circumstances.

Our nation has lost too many Australian Defence Force veterans to suicide.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has revealed 415 Defence personnel took their own lives between 2001 and 2017, including serving, ex-serving and reserve employees.

daily telegraph special – Julie-Ann Finney will be meeting with Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Researchers found that the age-adjusted rate of suicide for ex-serving women was more than double that of the Australian population.

These are devastating numbers.

Our veterans have selflessly put their own lives at risk to keep Australians safe.

As a nation, we owe it to these men and women to have a close look at the circumstances driving the tragic rate of suicide in their ranks.

We need to find out what services are needed to address the problem.

David Finney fought hard to overcome his PTSD.

The Royal Australian Navy veteran reached out to other vets to help them adjust.

That’s why Labor is calling for the establishment of a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides.

Its terms of reference should include both service men and service women. It should examine their transition from active service back to civilian life and their ongoing circumstances as they continue their lives.

Retired Army major general Jim Molan with Julie-Ann Finney.

Julie-Ann Finney with Labor Leader Anthony Albanese. Picture: Kym Smith

Every life lost is one too many.

They leave behind fathers, mothers, partners, uncles, aunts and siblings.

Tragically, too frequently they leave young children without a parent.

Australia can no longer tolerate this senseless loss of life.

More than a quarter of a million Australians have signed Julie-Ann Finney’s petition calling for a Royal Commission.

The Daily Telegraph has led the push with its Save our Heroes campaign.

We must listen.

Labor urges the Government to establish a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicides as soon as possible.

Anthony Albanese is the Leader of the Australian Labor Party