Premier Daniel Andrews admits Victoria doesn’t know its veterans at Royal Commission

Daniel Andrews has acknowledged there are major gaps in the state’s understanding of the veteran community, admitting this has created a “barrier” to helping those in need.

Mr Andrews has told the Royal Commission that Victoria doesn’t have a clear picture of its veteran community. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Daniel Andrews has told the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide that Victoria doesn’t have a clear picture of its veteran community.

Providing evidence at a hearing in Melbourne on Wednesday, the Premier acknowledged there were major gaps in the state’s understanding of the veteran landscape, admitting this had impacted service delivery.

Mr Andrews said while the latest census - which is Commonwealth data - provided some additional insight, deidentified data continued to pose challenges in reaching out to vulnerable communities.

“We don’t have a list – their names, their addresses, let alone any further details – of those members of the veteran community, and on that basis, we find ourselves in a situation where we have to provide broadcast messages to a relatively small group of people,” he said.

“It serves as a significant barrier to us, not just delivering services, but building trust and building a relationship with people – often many of whom are vulnerable.

“It is a real barrier to us doing more and doing better for a group of people who deserve the best of our efforts.”

Mr Andrews provided evidence to the commission about the state’s relationship with the Commonwealth, where he called for a national strategy to dealing with veteran issues.

He also discussed the rollout of Victoria’s Veterans Card, which offers discounted car registration, free fishing or boating licences and free public transport on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

A final report is due to be handed down in the middle of next year.