Media release: RSL Victoria urges next Government to follow Royal Commission recommendations and save veteran lives

RSL Victoria has listed four major priorities for Victorian veterans that it wants addressed by the next Federal Government following the May 3 election.

Headlining this is the call for a commitment to fund the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Full implementation of Royal Commission recommendations

The RSL is seeking a long-term commitment from political parties to implement all 122 recommendations in the Final Report handed down by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide late last year.

The recommendations provide an evidence-based blueprint to deliver real, meaningful and long-lasting reforms to drive improved health and well-being outcomes for serving ADF members, veterans, and their families.

RSL Victoria President Dr Robert Webster said that in the wake of the Royal Commission report, it’s incumbent on the next Government to act upon the recommendations.

“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has unequivocally highlighted the need for systemic reform,” Dr Webster said.

“I urge the next Government commit to fully funding and implementing all the Commission’s recommendations, including Recommendation 90a, which we say was unjustifiably rejected by the current government.

“Delays are no longer acceptable—our veterans and their families require decisive action to rectify the systemic failures that have led to unacceptable suffering and loss within the veteran community.

“This will save lives.”

At a grassroots level, Ballarat RSL President Frank Nuccio has added his region’s plea for action to the growing chorus.

“Last November we had two veterans in Ballarat die from suicide within a week. One was in their 20s and one was in their 70s,” Mr Nuccio said.

“Just as the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide report articulated, this is a problem that afflicts veterans of all generations.

“It’s why Ballarat RSL is urging political parties and candidates to take these findings seriously and implement all the recommendations the report made, as soon as possible.”

The RSL is also seeking more training, resources and funding to support fee-free advocacy for veterans, improved health care access for veterans and their families, and sustained investment in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to properly service the sector.

These election requests have been provided to all major parties in the lead up to the election by RSL Australia, while RSL Victoria is encouraging its Sub-Branches to present them to local candidates.

Funding to provide fee-free compensation advocacy services

“The national advocacy system is under immense pressure as compensation advocacy service providers face ever increasing demands for their services,” Dr Webster said.

“The Royal Commission found that Advocates require better training and stronger regulations to ensure fair and ethical service delivery. It also recommended that compensation advocacy service should be improved by funding paid professional advocates via a funding model that provides long term certainty as opposed to the current fluctuating and limited annual funding currently provided.”

Veteran Healthcare

“We still get reports continue of veterans being denied care by providers who refuse to accept veterans’ healthcare cards,” Dr Webster said.

“Of major concern is the prolonged wait times veterans experience when seeking mental health support, further exacerbating the challenges they face. “

Sustained funding to DVA

“Sustained and increased funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is essential to ensuring timely and effective support for veterans and their families,” Dr Webster said.

“A well-resourced DVA is critical in preventing the resurgence of claims backlogs, which the Royal Commission identified as a significant factor contributing to poor mental health and suicide among veterans.”

The RSL is Australia’s largest ex-service organisation, with more than 149,000 members in all States and Territories, supporting veterans and their families to enjoy better health outcomes and opportunities in all aspects of their lives.

“Our day-to-day experience informs us that veterans and their families need support more than ever before,” Dr Webster said.

“So now is the right time for parties and candidates to make a commitment to their future.”

Ends

MEDIA CONTACT – RSL Victoria

Shannon Gill 0460 295 364