Supporting the investigation into veteran suicide

The NSW Government has welcomed the decision by the Federal Government to appoint a permanent National Commissioner for Defence and Veteran Suicide Prevention.

Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said he supports Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of an investigation into veteran and Australian Defence Force suicide.

“I’ve been shocked at what I’ve seen and heard about the struggles of some of our veterans and their families, and this new Commissioner will help us to establish the full picture of why veteran suicides are occurring,” said Mr Lee.

“One suicide is too many and we owe a duty of care to our returned servicemen and women to make sure they have all the help and support to transition back into society.

“The NSW Government looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the Federal Government as we work together to ultimately save lives.

“I have met with veterans, their parents and partners and heard their heartbreaking stories and I want to say we support you and we will continue advocating for you.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said action to support our veterans is crucial.

“I welcome shining a light on the devastating issue of veteran suicide, which has a ripple effect through families, communities and the entire Defence Force,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We would like to see real outcomes from this independent commissioner. This supports the critically important Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority, to reduce the rate of suicide deaths in NSW by 20 per cent by 2023. This is the first step in the journey towards zero suicides.”