Bipartisan support for Royal Commission welcomed

RSL Queensland State President Tony Ferris today welcomed Federal Parliament’s bipartisan support for a Royal Commission into veteran suicide, but called for urgent implementation of the recommendations of previous inquiries to enact substantive, immediate change.

“Australia’s veterans need – and well deserve – immediate government action to address the many factors which lead to veteran suicides.

“That includes many of the recommendations outlined in the 2019 Inquiry Report, A Better Way to Support Veterans, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs being appropriately resourced with experienced delegates to reduce veterans’ wait times on compensation claims.”

Mr Ferris committed that RSL Queensland would work with the Australian Government to ensure the Royal Commission is established quickly and that its Terms of Reference are appropriately framed.

“Queensland is home to more veterans than any other state. We will actively canvass our members to assist the government in framing the range of issues to be considered by the Royal Commission, ensuring it has appropriate scope and powers.

“RSL Queensland will collaborate with our colleagues in other RSL State Branches across Australia – and our network of some 225 Sub Branches across Queensland – to expand the delivery of veteran services.  These are the services which, through early intervention, directly address the root causes of veteran suicide.   

"These include access to health and crisis support though our RSL Advocates, supporting veterans and their families with our wellbeing programs, housing accommodation, our award-winning employment program, skill development and spouse scholarships, and mental and physical health programs delivered by our subsidiary Mates 4 Mates.”