LNP raises bar in Veterans’ Affairs
T O W N S V I L L E ’ S d e f e n c e community has backed a commitment by the LNP to introduce a state veterans’ affairs minister if elected and would like Labor to do the same.
The LNP made the election pledge yesterday when it launched its Veterans’ Affairs Policy to help ex- ADF personnel return to civilian life.
Deputy leader Deb Frecklington announced the policy at Jezzine Barracks with members of veteran support groups.
She said the policy involved appointing Queensland’s first minister for veterans’ affairs, who would be responsible for leading strategies aimed at ensuring state services were better targeted to this group.
The move would bring Queensland into line with Victoria, NSW and South Australia, which already have veterans’ affairs ministers.
Ms Frecklington said the LNP would also appoint a senior representative in the public service as a “Veterans Champion” to mentor and establish a network of veterans in the sector.
Alliance of Defence Service Organisations Townsville spokesman and retired Colonel Ray Martin said the LNP’s commitment was “long overdue” and urged the Labor government to look at appointing its own veterans’ affairs minister if re- elected. FITNESS equipment has been installed at Thuringowa Friendship Park under stage one of an upgrade of the popular recreation spot.
The works were funded by a $ 60,000 donation by Rotary and in- kind support from the Townsville City Council.
Stage two works will start in the next few months and include a barbecue and shelter.
Deputy Les Walker said the upgrade would help to encourage people to use different areas of the park.
“This park is often filled with young families who use the playground and pet owners who use the off- leash dog park, but large parts of the park were still under- utilised,” he said.
Club president Paul Ryan said the club was delighted to work with the council to provide a great facility for the community.
“We are confident that the exercise equipment will be well used as they are in other parks,” he said.
“Rotary clubs work for their communities and are appreciative of the support they receive from the public.”
“I have heard a criticism of this that veterans’ affairs is a federal issue but that’s just not the case – veterans and their families live in communities in every state,” he said.
“Anything to help the Defence community with transition, employment and veteran suicide has to be a good thing.
“We have a huge number of veterans in Queensland and we want to see all levels of government collaborating and this LNP veterans policy should be bipartisan.”
Federal Veterans’ Affairs Minister Dan Tehan said there were many veteran- related responsibilities that lay with the states and he congratulated the LNP for its veterans’ policy.
“The Federal Government is focused on improving the transition to civilian life for ADF personnel and helping veterans find meaningful post- service employment, so those are obvious issues that align with the LNP platform,” he said. “I would be happy to meet with a future Queensland minister for veterans’ affairs to discuss implementing their policy.”
When asked if Labor would consider something similar to the LNP’s announcement, Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said Labor was already doing “a lot of work” with veteran affairs.