The Noosa region is home to more than 700 veterans who have served to protect our country, and we, as a nation, owe each of them a debt of gratitude. We also owe them adequate care and assistance, following their service to our country.
But as a nation, we have not delivered on our pledge to support them. Veterans are twice as likely to take their own life, and often struggle with PTSD and other mental health issues as a result.
The recent announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that there will be a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is the culmination of a lot of work by the veteran community, and it’s the start of an opportunity to right a terrible wrong.
This is an issue that I’ve spoken about in Parliament, that I have raised with my colleagues in Canberra, and I am pleased that their voices will now be heard. We all hope that this Royal Commission will shed light on our shortcomings towards the veteran community, so we can set them right, and veterans can access the support they deserve and need.
I encourage everyone to contribute to the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission which are being developed in consultation with the defence and veteran community, which can be done at this website: www.dva.gov.au/public-consultation-inform-terms-reference-royal-commission-defence-and-veteran-suicide
In the lead up to Fatality Free Friday on May 28, I’d also like to remind all road users to be mindful of the Fatal Five: speeding, intoxication (drugs and/or alcohol), failure to wear a seat belt, driver fatigue and distraction.
Every driver needs to be mindful of their responsibility to themselves, their passengers, other road users and the community, every time they get behind the wheel.
Last year, there were 1,108 deaths on Australian roads, each of them with a devastating impact on loved ones and their communities, and as the co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Road Safety, I am encouraging everyone to pledge to do their part to reduce the road toll. You can sign the pledge at this link: arsf.com.au/take-the-pledge-fff/
