An Albanese Labor Government will invest in defence personnel and veterans in Northern Tasmania by providing $5 million in funding for a Veteran Wellbeing Centre for the region.
A new veteran hub in the region would be a one-stop shop for veterans and their families to access a range of services, including transition, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing assistance, and social connection.
The centre would be a family-friendly space, and provide peer-to-peer support for veterans and their families close to home, bringing together critical services under one roof.
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.
In addition, Labor will match the additional $2.5 million in funding announced by the Government in December 2021 to deliver a Veteran Wellbeing Centre for Burnie and enhanced services in Launceston, as well as localised wellbeing services across Tasmania.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Shayne Neumann
“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.
“We want to see a facility run by veterans, for veterans, that’s inclusive and easily accessible for all ex-service men and women in the community.
“A number of ex-service organisations, together with Members, Senators and candidates from Tasmania have been advocating for this for some time – Labor has listened to this feedback and responded with this commitment.”
Comments attributable to Helen Polley, Senator for Tasmania
“A feasibility study of the needs and wellbeing of Tasmanian veterans conducted by the University of Tasmania last year found the local veteran community and ex-service organisations were more decentralised and so recommended a hub-and-spoke approach to services.
“There are almost 9,000 veterans and their families spread across Tasmania, with many living in the mid-north and North West of the state, including 1,688 in the electorate of Bass.
“This means we need a primary veteran hub based in Launceston, which has a significant veteran population, but that also provides services to ADF personnel and veterans across the entire region and State.”
Comments attributable to Ross Hart, Labor Candidate for Bass
“Federal Labor’s commitment to roll out more veteran services in Northern Tasmania is very welcome.
“I know the Launceston RSL in my electorate is doing a fantastic job bringing veterans, families and advocates together to provide peer-to-peer support and social connection, and is an ideal example of the type of service we need.
“The key will be to listen to the local veteran community to see what is needed and to develop services that meet those needs.”
