Greens promise better care for Tasmanian veterans

The Australian Greens will deliver a new range of services to support veterans and their families living in Tasmania, said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

“There are over 2,600 veterans in Tasmania, and the Australian Greens have the greatest respect for those who have served Australia on our behalf and we want to make sure they, and their families, are appropriately cared for when they return home.

“On this Father’s Day, as a son with a veteran Dad, I personally appreciate the importance of standing up for those who have served Australia.

The Australian Greens Caring for Veterans policy announced last week includes expanding mental health and wellbeing support programs, helping more family members of veterans killed in service get counselling and increasing funeral benefits.

“Whether they have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan or from service several decades ago, many veterans suffer mental ill-health as a result of their service.

“Community-based programs like Men’s Sheds have been effective in countering the stigma around mental ill-health and assisting those who need help.

“The families of veterans often also feel the strain, and can play a crucial role in caring for veterans – we have a plan to support Tasmanians who support our veterans.”

“The Greens know that if we are willing to send people off to serve Australia in conflict zones, we must ensure we care for them properly when they return,” Senator Whish-Wilson concluded.

For more information about the Australian Greens ‘Caring For Veterans’ package, see: http://greensmps.org.au/caring-for-veterans
Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson