5 years ago
STUDY CONFIRMS NEED FOR LABOR’S FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
AMANDA RISHWORTH MP
The release of the Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Studyhas once again highlighted the need for Labor’s Family Engagement and Support Strategy.
The Scoping Study was a recommendation from last year’s Senate Inquiry into Suicide by Veterans and Ex-Service Personnel which Labor was integral in establishing.
The Study looked at the current advocacy and welfare services, the challenges they face and the veterans and ex-service personnel which they assist.
Labor recognises advocacy groups pay a critical role in assisting our veterans to facilitate claims, provide essential representation and above most, support.
Of the 12 recommendations made from the Study, it is clearly recognised that the current structures are limited in providing support to ex-service personnel and their families.
The report highlights the stark contrast between what support is available for a military personnel’s family throughout their service and after their transition out of the ADF.
The Study stated, “…after separation from the Defence Force, nearly all support from Defence is provided to the veteran in the expectation that the family will benefit indirectly.”
Labor recognises that when a member serves, in many ways their family serves with them.
That is why we announced our commitment to develop a Family Engagement and Support Strategy for Defence Personnel and Veterans which will enable us to identify where we can provide greater support to families of current and ex-serving personnel.
Greater support for families is greater support for our serving and ex-service personnel.
The Scoping Study was a recommendation from last year’s Senate Inquiry into Suicide by Veterans and Ex-Service Personnel which Labor was integral in establishing.
The Study looked at the current advocacy and welfare services, the challenges they face and the veterans and ex-service personnel which they assist.
Labor recognises advocacy groups pay a critical role in assisting our veterans to facilitate claims, provide essential representation and above most, support.
Of the 12 recommendations made from the Study, it is clearly recognised that the current structures are limited in providing support to ex-service personnel and their families.
The report highlights the stark contrast between what support is available for a military personnel’s family throughout their service and after their transition out of the ADF.
The Study stated, “…after separation from the Defence Force, nearly all support from Defence is provided to the veteran in the expectation that the family will benefit indirectly.”
Labor recognises that when a member serves, in many ways their family serves with them.
That is why we announced our commitment to develop a Family Engagement and Support Strategy for Defence Personnel and Veterans which will enable us to identify where we can provide greater support to families of current and ex-serving personnel.
Greater support for families is greater support for our serving and ex-service personnel.