A future Labor Government will invest in defence personnel and veterans in the Moreton Bay Region by providing $5 million in funding for a new Veteran Wellbeing Centre.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann said a new veteran hub in this fast-growing region would be a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to access assistance from government, health services, ex-service organisations and community groups.
“The new facility would deliver a range of essential services, including medical and allied health services, mental health support, advocacy with Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims, employment advice, and social connection under one roof.
“The centre will be a family-friendly space, and also provide support to current service men and women and their families, and help them as they transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to civilian life,” he said.
Labor’s candidate for Longman Rebecca Fanning said a Veteran Wellbeing Centre was vital, given the Moreton Bay and Bribie region had one of the largest veteran populations in the country, including many younger veterans and families.
“This new veteran hub would benefit the close to 15,000 veterans and their families who live in the Longman, Petrie and Dickson electorates.”
Labor’s candidate for Petrie Mick Denton said the key to the new veteran support centre would be listening to the community to design a service that meets their needs, and offers local solutions to local issues.
“If elected, Labor will listen and work with the local ex-service community on how best to support them and their families in the area with this facility, and select an appropriate partner organisation, location and service model.”
Labor’s candidate for Dickson Ali France said the Morrison Government had neglected local veterans and families, and taken them for granted, leaving a huge gap in services across the Moreton Bay and North Brisbane area.
“The LNP Government has botched the roll-out of the Veteran Wellbeing Centres they promised at the last election and they have failed to announce a location for a new centre in South East Queensland that they committed to in the last Budget.”
Mr Neumann said this $5 million announcement to a Moreton Bay Veteran Hub underscored Federal Labor’s strong commitment to providing practical support for our current and former ADF personnel, and their families.
“Only Labor is on the side of our Queensland veterans and defence personnel, and only Labor will give them the services they need and deserve,” Mr Neumann said.
