NSW Government’s four-year plan to help veterans transition from Defence Force

In a bid to tackle the shocking suicide rates among veterans, the government has developed a new plan to help them transition into civilian life.

NSW will be leading the country in assisting veterans once they leave the Defence Force and transition into civilian life, in a bid to tackle the shocking rates of suicides among former servicemen and women.

Home to more than 200,000 veterans, the NSW government — along with Labor — have ­developed a four-year strategy to address a number of issues affecting the veteran community and their families.

The programs and initiatives developed will provide access to pathways into education and employment, connections to community and targeted services that respond to specific needs for secure housing, health and veterans’ mental wellbeing.

Colonel Brad Kilpatrick, Minister for Veterans Affairs Geoff Lee and Commodore Dave Mann at the Anzac Memorial for the launch of a new Veterans Strategy. Picture: Justin Lloyd

While the NSW Government already delivers programs supporting veterans, this will be the first time they will be brought together in one place across the entire government and community.

Queensland is set to follow the strategy.

Commodore Dave Mann and Colonel Brad Kilpatrick at the Anzac Memorial during the launch of the new Veterans Strategy. Picture: Justin Lloyd

New initiatives include a $300,000 investment into evidence-based treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance-use disorders that are tailored for veterans.

TAFE NSW will also be ­offering $250,000 worth of scholarships to support veterans wanting to undertake further studies.

“There is no one single magic bullet that can actually solve all these problems.

But what we can do as a government is to help veterans adjust to civilian life,” NSW Veteran Affairs Minister Geoff Lee said.

“(They’re) coming from a life of rigour and discipline and structure, and then all of a sudden you come out and all your friends have moved on.”

There will also be a Premier’s Anzac Memorial scholarship awarded to 20 high school history students who will have the opportunity to tour sites within Australia that hold military significance.