VETERANS’ issues rate highly for Mary Aldred, the candidate for the Federal Seat of Monash visiting Inverloch RSL on Monday, last week, to hear from representatives of that Sub Branch as well as those of Phillip Island and Wonthaggi.
While the conversation centred on the findings of ‘The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide’, she heard moving personal stories from those present.
Inverloch RSL president Ross Gabb highlighted the challenge for those shifting from the military to civilian life and the lack of support that currently exists.
“Transition is so important; it’s the number one (priority),” he said, Mary hearing attendees’ stories of the lack of assistance provided for veterans stepping out of what is a highly regulated environment and suddenly left to fend for themselves.
Wonthaggi RSL vice president Kevin Walsh, who rose to the rank of Major during his service, explained that some behaviours that are advantageous in the military are counterproductive outside of it.
However, veterans have many transferable skills to offer employers if given the support required to make the shift into civilian life.
Ross stressed that transition needs to start at least six months before someone leaves service.
Lack of knowledge of available services for veterans and the lengthy process of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) claims were among the experiences Mary heard, with some claims taking years.
She was adamant the process needs to improve, stressing the percentage of fraudulent claims is negligible.
A recommendation from the Royal Commission that the DVA pays medical service providers in a more timely fashion for approved treatment for veterans prompted Ross to share a personal experience to underline the importance of that happening.
He spoke of having surgery postponed as the DVA was yet to meet some earlier medical costs.
The impact of veterans’ service and lack of appropriate supports can also have a major effect on their families.
Julie de Bondt who is the welfare officer at Inverloch RSL was motivated to join the organisation by the ramifications of her late father’s military service.
Mary was also encouraged to provide feedback to those in the Coalition regarding concerns about the rejection of part of Recommendation 90 that stemmed from the Royal Commission.
The portion of that recommendation not supported by the Federal Government was “to remove the service differential as it relates to permanent impairment compensation”.
The service differential is a long-standing feature of Australia’s support for veterans that sees higher levels of compensation provided for injuries or illnesses incurred in operational-type service.
Inverloch RSL secretary Lindsay Guerin said the DVA and the former Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell have previously expressed the view the service differential is unfair and elaborated on what that approach means in real terms.
“Injuries that you could incur in a peacetime environment don’t get the same level of cover as the operational wartime service; you could be training to go overseas and have a vehicle rollover,” Lindsay said.
He pointed out that if you suffer a permanent impairment, it makes no difference where or how it happened.
Mary noted the Coalition instigated The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, stressing the importance of learning from and acting on its findings, having spoken of the need to support those the nation has sent into harm’s way.
Veterans seeking assistance are encouraged to contact their local RSL or reach out to other support services directly.
Lifeline Australia offers free crisis support and suicide prevention at any time and can be contacted on 13 11 14.
Available veteran support services include:
Open Arms – Mental health support for Army, Navy and Air Force personnel, veterans and their families. Call 1800 011 046 for free and confidential support, available any time, offering individual, couple and family counselling.
Open Arms offers suicide prevention workshops.
Self-help tools are also available to assist with building resilience.
Veteran Central – The place for Victorian veterans to interact with ex-service organisations and get the support they need to maintain their wellbeing. Call 1300 645 838 with expert staff linking you to appropriate available supports. The service is available to any veteran and their family members.
Other services – Other available services for veterans include Compensation Support, Veterans’ Employment Program, and Financial Welfare.
Visit rslvic.com.au/veteran-support or your local RSL for further information.
