David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is for the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Senator Ronaldson. Will the minister inform the Senate how the Department of Veterans' Affairs and Defence are working together to educate current and ex-serving personnel about mental health support and the services that are available to them?

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fawcett for his very important question and acknowledge his longstanding interest. I am pleased to inform the chamber that today I am launching a video that will remind serving members that, while they may not need help or access to services now, they may need assistance in the future, and there are many avenues available to them to pursue.

This video stresses that DVA and Defence have a shared responsibility to look after serving and ex-serving personnel and their families now and into the future. The video is just one of many activities being rolled out as part of a campaign to fully engage the Defence and veteran communities and their families by providing them with information on the support and services available to them. In particular, the video provides details of non-liability health care, whereby many ex-serving men and women can get treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance or alcohol misuse without having to lodge a claim or link their condition to service.

This launch will take place at the second meeting of the Prime Minister's Advisory Council on Veterans' Mental Health, otherwise known as PMAC, which is taking place today. This video was one of the recommendations of the military compensation review with further engagement and awareness of what benefits are available. The aim of the video is to reinforce to current serving members that, no matter what stage of your career you are at, it is DVA and Defence's job to look after your family now and into the future, and is a reminder also that Defence looks after your health treatment when you are serving and, when you are discharged, DVA provides early access to health and support services. Both DVA and Defence have shared responsibilities, which both the assistant minister and myself take very seriously.

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Will the minister advise the Senate of the work being undertaken in this area by the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service?

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I again thank Senator Fawcett for this very important question. I am pleased to inform the chamber that the VVCS has been exploring ways to improve awareness of the services it provides to veterans and their families. The VVCS has a prominent online presence, including a modern website and Facebook page. Today, it also announced the Support When You Need It campaign, which is targeted at those who have recently separated from the ADF to encourage them to contact the VVCS in tough times and to utilise the counselling and support services available to them. VVCS counsellors have an understanding of military culture and can help to address concerns such as relationship and family issues, anxiety, depression, anger, sleep difficulties, PTSD, and alcohol or substance misuse, with the aim of finding effective solutions for improved mental health and wellbeing.

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister advise the Senate of the outcomes he expects to be achieved through today's meeting of the Prime Minister's Advisory Council on Veterans' Mental Health?

Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, I thank Senator Fawcett for the question. I am pleased to advise the Senate that the second meeting of PMAC is taking place today here in Parliament House. The first meeting of the PMAC, which took place earlier this year, generated some important conversations in this vital area. A particular outcome of the first meeting was the development of a peer-to-peer forum designed to bring together a wide range of organisations and individuals who are able to provide support to our veterans and their families. I am pleased to advise senators that this important forum, supported by both my department and the Department of Defence, will be held at the Australian War Memorial tomorrow. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the chair, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, Ben Roberts-Smith VC and all the PMAC for their efforts and endeavours. I look forward to working with the council about future initiatives to support our veterans into the future. (Time expired)