Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says the Federal Government’s acceptance of more than 100 of the Royal Commission’s recommendations is a “step in the right direction”. The Federal Government has accepted 104 of the 122 recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Mr McCormack said the announcement would particularly resonate in the Wagga Wagga region being home to all three arms of the Defence Force. “Wagga Wagga is a tri-service city and is home to many Defence personnel and Veterans,” Mr McCormack said. “The Royal Commission rightly saw fit to hold a three-day hearing in the city as one of the public hearings it held across the country. “Whilst not every Veteran is broken from their service, we need to be there for those who are in need of assistance". “My thoughts are with the many current and former Defence Force personnel and their friends and family on what would surely be another difficult day for them,” Mr McCormack said. “The silver lining of this is that it is another step towards genuine change to better support those who are involved in this vitally important sector.” Mr McCormack welcomed the progression of appointing an interim head of a new statutory body to oversee systemic reform and provide independent advice – one of the recommendations from the Royal Commission. “It is important the Federal Government builds on this announcement by starting public consultation at the earliest convenience,” Mr McCormack said. The former Coalition Government established the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in 2021. “The Coalition has continued to provide support to the Government throughout the entire process and is committed to continue working with the Federal Government to ensure the best welfare standards for our Defence personnel and our Veterans, who contribute mightily for our nation,” Mr McCormack said. “The Coalition will now review the Government’s response to make sure the right measures are being put in place for the benefit of our Defence personnel and their loved ones, including appropriate support for the physical and mental health well-being of our best and bravest.” Mr McCormack added that further support is available in Wagga Wagga through the Pro Patria Centre and the RSL Life Care’s Riverina Veteran Wellbeing Centre. If you need help: Injury or illness – call 1800IMSICK. The service provides nursing-level triage and advice regarding access to other health care. Mental health – call the All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 (available 24/7). This confidential telephone service provides mental health advice and referral. Defence Family Helpline – call 1800 624 608 (available 24/7) to speak to human services professionals, including social workers and psychologists. www.defence.gov.au/dco/. Chaplaincy – call 1300 DEFENCE and ask to speak to the on-call Chaplain in your area for pastoral care, support and advice 24/7. Open Arms – call 1800 011 046 to access for counselling for current ADF members, veterans and families including a free-call all-hours crisis telephone service as well as face to face support. Open Arms is not part of Defence www.openarms.gov.au. Safe Zone Support – call 1800 142 072 (available 24/7) for free, anonymous telephone counselling with specialised counsellors who understand military culture and experience. The service offers care without the need for individuals to identify themselves or be concerned that their call will be recorded. Lifeline Australia – call 13 11 14 (available 24/7). Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. www.lifeline.org.au. Employee Assistance Program – call 1300 OUR EAP (1300 687 327). Free, confidential and professional counselling for Defence APS employees, Australian Signals Directorate employees, ADF Reservists, ADF Cadets, Officers and Instructors, including immediate families, and workplace supervisors/managers. ADF Health and Wellbeing Portal – provides easy access and links to many Defence websites containing information on ADF Health and Mental Health services and supports, and useful external resources. www.defence.gov.au/health/healthportal. Department of Veterans’ Affairs – call 1800 555 254. Current or former serving ADF members and families should contact the DVA for access to advice, claims and DVA support.
