House debates

Monday, 21 November 2016

Constituency Statements

Oxley Electorate: Veterans

4:35 pm

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Oxley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I rise to brief the parliament on a round table that I hosted last Tuesday with the member for Kingston and the shadow minister for veterans' affairs to support veterans in my local community. I, like every other member of this parliament, am committed to supporting veterans' groups, particularly on the issue of mental health and veterans' suicide.

It was a timely meeting after the nation paused to commemorate Remembrance Day on the Friday before. I was honoured to attend the national ceremony here in Canberra, along with my friend the member for Canberra. Representatives from each of Oxley's RSL sub branches attended the roundtable. I thank the Centenary Suburbs RSL Sub Branch, Darra Cementco Bowls Club, Goodna RSL Sub Branch and Redbank Plains RSL Sub Branch for their attendance and for the excellent work they do in advocating for veterans. Veterans were able to tell their stories and, along with the member for Kingston, I was very happy to listen. Their stories and experiences provide invaluable knowledge on how we can and must better support our local veterans.

I would also like to thank Peter Mapp and Ted Fotek for accompanying us to inspect the proposed site of the Anzac Cove memorial at the Darra Cementco Bowls Club, a major upgrade at this important local institution. I thank the President of the Springfield Light Tower association, Damian Gillette, and past president Ralph Breaden for giving us a closer look at Australia's first digital defence memorial, which I am proud to say is located in the south-west suburbs of Brisbane.

As the son of World War II veteran, I will always support our veterans, particularly those who call Oxley home.