A future Labor Government will invest in defence personnel and veterans in the Tweed 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 the Tweed would be a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to access a range of services, including transition, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment, housing assistance and social connection.

“The centre will be a family-friendly space and provide one-on-one support for veterans and their families, bringing together critical services under one roof,” he said.

“It’s important for our veterans and their families to have a dedicated place where they can go to connect with each other and access the assistance they need close to home.

“There has been an increased need for support services in the region as a result of long wait times for veteran claims, the Royal Commission into defence and veteran suicide, and Australia’s withdrawal from the conflict in Afghanistan last year.

“This $5 million commitment is about providing practical support on the ground for our defence personnel and veterans and their families who may be doing it tough, and helping them navigate the veteran support system.

“A number of veterans and ex-service organisations in the area, together with local member Justine Elliot, have advocated for this for some time – Labor has listened to this feedback and responded with this commitment,” Mr Neumann said.

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said a new centre would be a much-needed addition to the region and would also benefit veterans across the wider North Coast.

“We have a large ex-service population in the region with more than 5,000 veterans and families, including many older veterans and war widows,” she said.

“The Morrison Government’s cuts to local Department of Veterans’ Affairs services during the pandemic caused enormous stress for many of these people, so a facility like this would provide better access to support and information when and where veterans and their families need it.

“The key to the new veteran support centre will be listening to the local community to design a service that meets their needs.

“If elected, Labor will continue to consult with the local ex-service community on how to best support them and their families with this facility, and to determine an appropriate lead organisation, location and delivery model for the centre.

“Only Labor is on the side of veterans and their families on the North Coast, and we will give them the services they need and deserve,” Ms Elliot said.