Veterans Affairs Minister Darren Chester backs Save Our Heroes Summit
Veteran’s affairs Minister Darren Chester has backed The Daily Telegraph’s Save Our Heroes Summit at NSW parliament, and says his representatives will “report back” on the outcomes.
NSW
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Veterans’ affairs Minister Darren Chester has thrown his support behind The Daily Telegraph’s Save Our Heroes Summit and says the only acceptable number of veteran suicides is “zero”.
Wednesday’s summit at NSW Parliament House will give a voice to the mothers of five veterans who have tragically taken their own lives after leaving the Defence Force.
The Summit will also bring together a panel of experts — including Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry winner Ben Roberts-Smith — who will discuss the challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life and suggest ways Defence chiefs can improve support for former soldiers.
It will seek to provide answers to chronic issues, including the paltry preparation for civilian life veterans get before they leave the Defence Force and the lack of help they get afterwards. More than 500 veterans have taken their own lives since 2001.
Mr Chester said the federal government was listening to concerns from veterans and their families and was making a number of changes to its policies to combat veteran suicide.
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He said he would not be able to attend Wednesday’s event due to ministerial commitments but would be sending representatives along to “observe and report back” on proposed actions.
“The Summit is an excellent opportunity for families to provide their input into the mental health action plan which I’m working on with ex-service organisations, state governments and veteran and their families,” Mr Chester told The Daily Telegraph.
“I look forward to hearing the practical ideas, plans and new initiatives that we can draw on to help address mental health issues.
“As Minister for veterans and defence personnel, the only acceptable number of veteran suicides is zero, and I fully understand the only number acceptable to the Australian community is zero,” he said.
Mr Chester said the federal government currently provides $230 million per year for veterans’ mental health and he was working with the Australian Defence Force to improve the transition from the military to civilian life.
“A great deal of progress has been made but I’m under no illusion about the magnitude of the task and the need to keep working to improve the mental wellbeing of veterans and their families,” he said.
“Transforming the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is only part of the solution. The broader issue of veteran suicide cannot be fixed by just Government. Each and every Australian, every community, can reach out and do more to support our veterans and their families,” Mr Chester said.
NEW CARD A LONG-AWAITED WIN FOR VETS
A new card will offer Australian Defence Force veterans thousands of special discounts as a way of thanking them for their service.
The card, released by the federal government yesterday, will be available to all veterans.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the veterans card would offer access to more than 10,000 offers from about 500 businesses. The card’s release follows the passing of laws underpinning an Australian Defence Force Covenant. The laws allow veterans and their families to get the cards and lapel pins.
“Much like the lapel pin gives every day Australians the opportunity to recognise veterans and thank them for their service, the offers available through the veteran card allow the business community to show its thanks,” Mr Morrison said.
Veterans’ Minister Darren Chester said the government was partnering with the organisation APOD to ensure users could easily find businesses involved in their area.