WW2 Veteran Families Win Govt Support

Minister Bacon Backs Recognition of Trauma
Born by WW2 Veterans’ Families

The Tasmanian Greens today said that they had won the backing of the State Government to recognise the effects of the trauma of war and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the families of World War Two veterans’ families, as well as veterans themselves.

Greens Veterans’ Affairs spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that formal recognition of the impact of war upon the families of veterans could mean millions of Australians could finally receive the recognition and support they currently don’t have.

“The impact of WW2 on Australian families is a blight that is still happening today. People are still carrying the trauma of veterans, whether it was their partner, parent or grandparent,” said Mr Booth.

“The families of WW2 veterans know very well that the impact of war goes wider than just affecting veterans. Families can bear the effects of trauma, which can even flow from generation to generation, for years.”

“The Federal Government is currently undertaking research into the effects of PTSD on Vietnam veterans but there are people battling today for this research to be widened to include the effects upon veterans’ families, particularly those of WW2.”

“The sons and daughters and their partners, grandchildren and siblings have carried the secrets and trauma visited upon veterans who, in many cases, endured unimaginable horror and who returned to their families, which have received little or no support or recognition of what they have had to bear.”

“In Budget Estimates hearings today on Veterans’ Affairs, I read out a moving letter from a veteran’s family, who have been campaigning for recognition of the impact of PTSD on veterans’ families for years.”

“In response to the letter, the Veterans’ Affairs Minister Scott Bacon agreed that this was a legitimate issue and gave his support to expanding the remit of the Federal Government research to include into the impact of PTSD on the families of veterans.”

“Mr Bacon also agreed to meet with the person who wrote that moving letter and the Greens will ensure that that the Minister’s commitment leads to real change.”

“The Greens will continue to campaign for the full recognition of the trauma of war on society, including veterans and their families, and for this to be fully recognised by State and Federal governments,” said Mr Booth.

Download: Excerpts of a constituent’s letter written to Mr Booth on need for Government recognition of trauma born by WW2 veterans’ families:
Constituent_letter_to_K_Booth_re_war_veteran_family_trauma_May_2012.pdf
Kim Booth MP Greens Veterans spokesperson Wednesday 30 May 2012