Vets to get minister under LNP

QUEENSLAND would have its own Veterans’ Affairs Minister to tackle issues such as homelessness and employment for former service men and women under a LNP government.

The LNP will make the election pledge today when the party launches its Veterans’ Affairs Policy to help exADF personnel return to civilian life.

“Queensland is home to almost 45,000 veterans, more than any other state, and I believe they deserve a state- based policy that provides better services and more opportunities,” Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said.

“If an LNP government is elected … Queensland will lead Australia in the recognition of, and the help we provide to former ADF members.”

Deputy LNP leader Deb Frecklington, who will announce the policy in Townsville, said the plan would build better services and better communities by helping veterans in four key ways. She said Queensland’s first appointed Minister for Veterans’ Affairs would be responsible for leading strategies aimed at ensuring that State Government services were better targeted to this group.

“This could include initiatives such as delivering a veterans’ homelessness strategy,” she said. “We will commit to a target to increase the number of ex- ADF personnel working in the public service, providing proper recognition of their military training and how that fits into roles within the Queensland Government.”

Ms Frecklington said the LNP would appoint a senior representative in the public service as a “Veterans Champion” to mentor and establish a network of veterans in the sector.

“We will make sure Queensland Government job websites are updated to provide more information to exADF personnel about the jobs that best link to their skill set,” she said.

“We will also create a $ 2 million Veterans Transition Grants Program, for ex- service and defence welfare organisations to access and fund programs that help veterans to transition back into civilian life and another career after leaving the Defence Force.”