FIGHT GOES ON FOR MUMS

CHARTERS Towers mother Glenda Weston has welcomed the royal commission announcement, particularly in the lead-up to the anniversary of her son’s death.

Her son, Private Bradley Carr, 34, (pictured above) was born on Remembrance Day and died on Anzac Day in 2019.

“My son took his life on Anzac Day because he couldn’t take another Anzac Day. It’s been a worry since Brad died about how many would end their lives,” she said.

“In the two years since his death we have lost many more and it’s been a big fight, we shouldn’t have had to fight this hard. It’s been tremendously draining and emotional.

“To know it will be called before Brad’s anniversary is a blessing and a big step.

“Our sons are gone ... but this announcement is an important step for veterans who are still alive.”

Julie-ann Finney said the veteran community had been waiting 100 years for action on the issue.

The Adelaide woman had collected nearly 400,000 signatures through change.org calling for a royal commission since her 38-year-old navy mechanic son David (pictured) died in 2019. She was backed by The Advertiser, being named their 2019 Woman of the Year for her efforts.

She spoke to the media before visiting her son’s grave to “tell him of the victory”.

“We take it as a victory because they cannot take a royal commission away from us,” she said. d.

“This is the first part of the battle, and only day one. There is no sense of relief, just that the next stage of the fight starts today.

“David was my son but all of you are my brothers and I am there for you.”

Ms Finney said the issues which must be addressed were “systemic failures” that had let down vulnerable veterans.

She called for a retired judge to be appointed to conduct the commission, not anyone connected in the past or present to the military.

“My son, his name is Dave Finney, he was beautiful, there were 700 of them and we should not be expected to just bury people and walk away,” Ms Finney said.