A future Labor Government will invest in defence personnel and veterans in the Northern Adelaide 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 Adelaide’s northern suburbs 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 claims, employment advice, and social connection under one roof.

“It will be a family-friendly space, and provide support for younger veterans and their families, bringing together critical services together under one roof.

“On top of this, the project will support local jobs during construction and ongoing employment opportunities once it is up and running.”

Labor’s candidate for Spence Matt Burnell said a Veteran Wellbeing Centre was vital, given the Northern Adelaide suburbs 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 16,000 veterans and their families who live in the Spence and surrounding electorates.”

“The northern areas of Adelaide are also home to many ADF members and families posted to RAAF Base Edinburgh, where more than 6,000 staff are posted, and this facility would allow these personnel to access high quality services in their local community.

“If elected, an Albanese Labor Government will work with the local ex-service community and the newly-elected Malinauskas State Labor Government on how best to support veterans in the area with this facility, and select an appropriate partner organisation, location and service model.”

Mr Neumann said the Morrison Government had neglected the local defence and veteran communities and taken them for granted, leaving a huge gap in services across the Northern Adelaide area.

“This $5 million announcement to a Northern Adelaide Veteran Hub underscores 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 SA veterans and defence personnel, and only Labor will give them the services they need and deserve,” Mr Neumann said.