Caz Heise, the independent candidate for Cowper, has today criticised in the strongest possible terms the failure of successive governments to provide veterans with the support they both need and deserve.
This urgent call to action comes in light of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which highlights the pressing need for enhancement in veteran support systems.
"Veterans deserve to rejoin their families and communities not only feeling welcomed but also fully supported as they embark on the next chapter of their lives," Caz said.
I’ve been shocked and appalled by the stories I’ve been hearing from veterans and their advocates across our electorate. Their experience upon returning from war and seeking to access health services is truly harrowing.
"The Royal Commission’s findings are stark and deeply concerning; they reveal a system that is failing to provide adequate mental health support, housing assistance, and employment programs," she pointed out.
"Our veterans deserve more than platitudes. They deserve real, meaningful support that acknowledges their sacrifices and addresses their unique challenges," she stated.
"The Commission's report underscores the failures that have occurred at every level over the years - failures that we cannot allow to continue."
The report highlights alarming deficiencies within the current veteran support framework, wherein many service men and women face overwhelming challenges including mental health issues, unemployment, and social isolation due to inadequate prioritisation of their needs.
“We need an integrated approach to veteran support - a strategy that encompasses mental health services, job placement programs, and community engagement initiatives,” Caz asserted.
"A successful transition must provide access to vocational training, mental health resources, and a robust support network that fosters community connections. Veterans should never feel they are facing these struggles alone."
Moreover, the Royal Commission's findings indicate that current systems are not only underfunded but also poorly coordinated, creating delays that exacerbate the issues faced by veterans.
"Veterans deserve an efficient and reliable support system that works for them, not against them. Their perspectives must be at the forefront of necessary reforms and we need to work with veterans to tell their story," she emphasised.
“Our government needs to fulfil its responsibility to those who have served.”
“We owe it to our veterans to cultivate an environment where they can thrive post-service.”
Statements attributable to Scott Seccombe, Veteran and Advocate
Scott Seccombe, a passionate advocate for veterans from Coffs Harbour, has been a powerful voice for those facing the myriad challenges of reintegration into civilian life, regularly sharing his personal experiences to raise awareness.
"The transition from military to civilian life is often a brutal battle in its own right. Beyond the struggles with PTSD and visible injuries, many veterans confront the daunting reality of re-entering society without a system of support to guide them."
“It’s stupid to believe that after serving in such a high-stress environment, we emerge unscathed. The mental and physical toll is huge"
"There are no structured pathways for veterans to disentangle from a life spent navigating minefields, conducting bomb searches, and enduring relentless combat. This is a reality we cannot ignore."
"As veterans, we have laid our lives on the line for this country, yet upon our return, we often feel invisible and forgotten. This is an injustice we must confront."
"The heart-wrenching delays in accessing vital mental health services can transform manageable struggles into devastating crises. Timely care is not just a luxury; it is a fundamental right that every veteran deserves."
"I have witnessed the catastrophic consequences that result when help is delayed. The stakes are lives."
"I’ve watched fellow veterans grapple with their inner demons, only to be met with bureaucratic red tape when they seek assistance. This is a barrier that can be life-threatening."
"Tragically, I have seen too many veterans reach a point of utter desperation, feeling they have nowhere to turn."
“In addition to access to health care, every re-entry program must include a two-to-three-month comprehensive course focused on critical skills such as resume writing and interview techniques tailored specifically for the civilian workforce. We need the tools to succeed."
Caz warmly invites veterans, their families, and currently serving personnel to reach out to the campaign team. Your voices need to be heard to shape the future of veteran reforms.
Share your experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and let us know what matters most to you. Together, we can forge a path toward a more supportive, comprehensive, and responsive system that honours your service and ensures that every veteran receives the care and opportunity they deserve.