Listening To Local Veterans

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox will host a community forum focussing on veterans’ services throughout Dawson with the Former Deputy Prime Minister and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Barnaby Joyce.

Mr Joyce said Veterans’ Services were a top priority for the Coalition, with substantial investment committed for veterans’ wellbeing at the election earlier this year.

“Our veterans are the heroes of the nation who have sacrificed so much for the sovereignty and freedom of our country. They deserve our complete support and investment,” Mr Joyce said.

“When in Government, the Coalition invested a record amount in our veterans. This is a legacy that we are extremely proud of, but there is still so much work to be done. That’s why we’re out here listening today to the local community. We want to take their concerns to Canberra to make sure our ex-serving personnel are looked after as well as possible.”

Mr Willcox said it was important to listen directly to the veterans and local community on how returned service men and women can best be supported.

“Many returned servicemen and women come home with significant trauma – experiences that stay with them for a lifetime.” Mr Willcox said.

“The prevalence of PTSD and suicide among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members is deeply concerning. I will be doing everything that I can to make sure our veterans are well supported in our region.

“The Coalition committed $5 million towards Veterans’ Wellness. This would have brought an RSL to Mackay and a retreat at Kinchant Dam.

“In Labor’s first Federal Budget, they cut all Veterans Wellness Hubs north of Brisbane. These cuts are devastating; however the Coalition want to work with the Government to see these services are fully supported and fully funded for our Mackay region veterans.”