A community forum was hosted in December 2022 by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox focussing on veterans’ services throughout the electorate 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 LNP, 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,” he said.
“They deserve our complete support and investment.
When in Government, the LNP invested $5 million towards Veterans’ Wellness which was hoped to assist in building an RSL in Mackay and a wellness centre at Kinchant Dam.
“This is a legacy that we are extremely proud of, but there is still so much work to be done.
“We’re going to fight to try and get a wellness centre back, and if we were given the great honour of government, we make a commitment that we’ll be putting a wellness centre in Mackay.
“You need RSL’s, you need wellness centres, you need sub-branches to basically meet people who can say, ‘How are you going? I haven’t heard from you lately.’”
Mr Joyce said the forum is an opportunity to talk to local veterans about their concerns.
“One of the big things you do in opposition is you develop policy, and you don’t do it by your own divine intuition,” he said.
“You do it by talking to people.
“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,” he 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.
“In Labor’s first Federal Budget, they cut all Veterans Wellness Hubs north of Brisbane.
“The Coalition wants to work with the Government to see these services are fully supported and fully funded for our Mackay region veterans.
“I believe if people are good enough to fight for this country, if they’re good enough to put their bodies on the line, their lives on the line, then when they come back to our home turf, we should look after them.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Barnaby Joyce. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
