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Federal, state and territory ministers have met in Canberra to focus on veteran wellbeing, mental health, homelessness and transition from the ADF for the Veterans’ Ministerial Council.
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It was the first meeting of the council since it was agreed to elevate the Veterans’ Ministers’ Roundtable to a Veterans’ Ministerial Council, and provides an opportunity for ministers responsible for veterans’ issues from across Australia to come together to discuss how different levels of government can collaborate to support veterans and their families.
Chair of the council, Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester, provided an update on the recent release of the Productivity Commission’s final report of its inquiry into compensation and rehabilitation for veterans, A Better Way to Support Veterans.
"The importance of a successful and smooth transition from the Australian Defence Force was noted and ministers discussed veterans’ employment and how federal, state and territory governments can work together more closely to improve and co-ordinate support for veterans and their families transitioning to civilian life," a release from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs said.
"Mr Chester advised a priority for the council is veterans’ mental health and provided an update on the development of six Veterans’ Wellbeing Centres around Australia, as well as director of Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Professor David Forbes, delivering a presentation on the topic.
"State and territory ministers agreed to support the new Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and National Action Plan on veterans’ mental health and wellbeing and suicide prevention, which will be delivered by the end of the year."
Among other topics was the upcoming decision from the Australian government on new topics for the census, regarding the Australian Defence Force, as well as a "strong emphasis on the importance of continuing to improve co-operation between different levels of government, healthcare providers and the veteran community in order to ensure veterans and their families have the support they need, when and where they need it".
