A future Labor Government will invest in defence personnel and veterans in the Ipswich and Springfield region by providing $5 million in funding for a new Veteran Wellbeing Centre.
Shadow Minister for Defence Brendan O’Connor said a new veteran hub in South East Queensland’s fast-growing Western Corridor 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.
“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 to civilian life.
“I know a number of ex-service and community organisations in the region have pushed for such a facility for several years – Federal Labor has listened and responded to this feedback with this commitment for local veterans and their families,” Mr O’Connor said.
Federal Member for Blair and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Shayne Neumann said the Liberal and Nationals had previously promised a veteran hub in Ipswich but had failed to deliver.
“At the 2016 election, the then Liberal candidate for Blair announced an unfunded commitment for a veteran recovery centre in Ipswich, but the Government never honoured this and the initiative was subsequently dropped from its 2019 election policy.
“The Morrison Government then announced funding for a Veteran Wellbeing Centre in South East Queensland in the last Budget, but is yet to reveal where this will be.
“Labor believes a veteran hub is needed in Ipswich as the West Moreton region has the largest veteran population in South East Queensland, with around 15,000 veterans and families, and is home to RAAF Base Amberley, the biggest air force base in Australia,” Mr Neumann said.
Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick said the key to the new veteran support centre would be listening to the local community to design a service that meets their needs.
“If elected, Labor will consult with the local ex-service community as to how best to support them and their families in the area with this facility, and to determine an appropriate lead organisation, location and delivery model for the centre.
“This $5 million announcement to an Ipswich Veteran Hub underscores Federal Labor’s commitment to providing practical support for our defence personnel and veterans, and their families.
“Only Labor has a plan to fix the veteran support system, and give our veterans and families the services they need and deserve,” Mr Dick said.
