Fund push for veterans

A network representing disabled veterans has called for more financial support to curb suicide rates among returned servicemen.

In response to a recent Senate inquiry, the Disabled Veterans of Australia Network wants a “liveable wage” introduced.

The Senate inquiry made 24 recommendations to tackle veteran suicide after receiving more than 450 submissions.

While the inquiry was welcomed by many groups, a DVAN spokesman said the nation’s senators had ignored the “elephant in the room” of limited funding for disabled veterans.

“Our disabled Diggers who are unable to work to provide for themselves or a family cannot live life on an income of $35,000 per year,” the spokesman said.

“The senators call for more money for bandaid solutions but nothing for a liveable replacement income to allow our disabled Diggers to live in dignity and not be a burden on their spouse and children.

“The senators have either not understood or refused to acknowledge the lived and professional evidence that links impoverishment and suicide.”

Brand MHR Madeleine King said the Senate inquiry was needed to shine a light on the issue of suicide and the mental health of those in the ex-service and veterans community.

“We will work through the evidence provided to the Senate inquiry and carefully consider the recommendations,” she said.

“We will continue to work with ex-service communities, the Government and the Parliament to address the critical policy gaps.”

RSLWA chief executive John McCourt said the outcomes of the Senate inquiry were encouraging in taking measures to help improve on supporting contemporary veterans and understanding of addressing the “unacceptable and tragic” rate of veteran suicides.

“The fact that we are losing many more veterans to suicide that those killed or injured in recent wars is alarming and everything possible needs to be done,” he said.