The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released three independent reports into the wellbeing of serving and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in the hope of gaining a better understanding of the challenges facing the veteran community.
The reports were commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and covered suicide monitoring of serving and ex-ADF personnel; use of homelessness services by ex-ADF members; and medications dispensed to ex-ADF members – all in a 12-month period 2017-2018.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester said the reporting showed 42 current and former ADF personnel took their lives in 2017.
“These deaths are tragic and the only acceptable number is zero,” Mr Chester said.
“Since taking over the portfolio in March 2018, veteran mental health and improving the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs to put veterans and their families first has been my absolute priority,” he said.
“There are improvements being made, to services, support, transition and employment. But I know more can be done to ensure we are supporting our veterans and their families now and into the future.”
He said the findings from the reports would help better target efforts to the people most at risk as well as assist in shaping future programs and services to be offered by Defence and DVA to support veterans and their families.
Mr Chester said he met with Ministerial colleagues from States and Territories last week to discuss the new Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Action Plan, with a view to working together on the plan.
“I understand the content of these reports may cause distress to some in the ex-service community, and I would encourage any veteran or their families who do need additional support to contact Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling. They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 011 046.”
The AIHW reports can be accessed at this PS News link.
