As a former soldier himself, Campbelltown MP Greg Warren says he is optimistic the royal commission into veterans’ suicide will lead to real and effective change.
Mr Warren, who is the NSW Labor opposition spokesman on veterans, said the inquiry would shed further light on the challenges faced by the state’s serving and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
He is calling on the state government to take a proactive role in assisting those on the royal commission, rather than leaving it all to their counterparts in Canberra.
“The issue of suicide among both serving and former ADF members is highly concerning, so much so that it now warrants a royal commission,” he said.
“In the last decade we have seen a plethora of reports, inquiries and investigations regarding this issue but very little has been done despite the various findings.
“Real change will not occur without help from state government – including the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government,’’ Mr Warren said.
“The NSW Government must take a proactive role in assisting the royal commission and vow to help implement all recommendations that may stem from this royal commission.
“The Premier showed utter contempt for NSW veterans by refusing to appoint a full time minister for veterans for 18 months when the former minister stood down.
“The NSW Government must stop treating veterans in our state so terribly and they can turn that tide by playing a proactive role in the royal commission and vowing to help implement any recommendations that are made.”
Mr Warren said it was crucial the terms of reference would ensure an examination of all aspects of ADF life including pre-service, during service, transition, separation and post-service.
