Treatment of veterans a national scandal

SHAUN SPAIN loved serving his country. He loved his family, his many friends and his Army comrades. He was someone who lived to help others, even if it meant putting his own life on the line.

He showed that in his 15 years in uniform, when he gallantly served in some of the world’s most dangerous places.

Years that left him with painful injuries, both physical and mental.

But when Shaun needed our help, what should have been a grateful nation let him down.

As he told the Bulletin in 2021, he struggled to get the assistance he needed from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

“The DVA is 100 per cent an insurance department set on denying soldiers’ claims in the first instance and if an appeal is made, only then do they look at it and maybe accept it,” he said at the time. “The system is a complete joke.” Mr Spain said it was costing lives. The lives of veterans who deserved far better.

Now he himself has joined their ranks, with his torment clear in his final words.

“I am sorry you have found me this way but unfortunately I have taken my own life for many reasons and DVA are mostly to blame,” he wrote.

Australians are proud of its defence forces, of brave and selfless souls like Shaun Spain.

They should be treated, when they return from dangerous foreign deployments, like the heroes that they are.

Heaven and earth should be moved to ensure they get the gold standard care they deserve.

That they are instead driven to suicidal despair is one of the greatest scandals to ever face this nation.

Shaun Spain, a man who lived to serve others, deserved so much better.

PIERS Akerman’s column (GCB 7/2) reflected on the parallels with another Treasurer named “Jim” who also followed a Marxist philosophy in how our economy should be shaped. It brought back memories of the Whitlam era best known for the sacking of a Prime Minister but in any story there was more we should remember.

The “Jim”, Akerman was referring to is Whitlam Treasurer, Jim Cairns and the parallel is current Treasurer, Jim Chalmers. Both have a surname beginning with a C, a letter that generated headlines at the time. Crean (Deputy PM and Treasurer) Cairns (Treasurer, Overseas Trade, Environment) and Connor (Minerals and Energy) all played pivotal rolls in the downfall of the Whitlam government.

Looking at those portfolio’s and our current slide towards Marxism, it is almost as if history has the potential of repeating itself with our treasury, minerals and energy, environment along with division at the forefront.

Any government that attempts to take full control of an economy through direct intervention is following in the footsteps of failure. China became successful economically because it adopted elements of a capitalist society and recognised that competition was healthy in building on strength.

The dangers this government poses with its lemming like rush of ideology over sound logic and principles is a class war that while preaching fairness, equality, and a better life, downplays ambition, incentive, and healthy competition which are critical in advancing all aspects of a modern society.

This government has already embarked on policies and decisions not mentioned before elected and has failed to be forthcoming in details of why and how. The shadows of Russia before Glasnost and Perestroika almost 40 years ago still live in many of our memories as a regimen where any advancement was subject to the whims of political officials and not self achievement.

BOB JANSSEN, GOLD COAST

ACCORDING to the Leukaemia Foundation’s latest research, many Australians living with blood cancer, particularly those in regional and remote areas, are under significant financial strain as a result of their diagnosis and treatment.

Nearly half (43 per cent) of those diagnosed experienced out-of-pocket treatment costs totalling hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. Regional patients and their loved ones often need to travel long distances or relocate to a capital city to access lifesaving treatment which significantly increases the financial hardship they experience. As a result, some have had to sell assets including their house or car to pay for treatment, with others using charity food boxes and turning to charities like the Leukaemia Foundation for support.

With blood cancer incidence on the rise, and more Australians than ever needing financial, emotional and practical support, the Leukaemia Foundation has launched the 25th anniversary of World’s Greatest Shave to help raise vital funds.

We urge all Australians to join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of World’s Greatest Shave by signing up to shave, cut or colour their hair in support of the growing number of Australians diagnosed with blood cancer every day.

Sign up to World’s Greatest Shave online at worldsgreatestshave.com, or call 1800 500 088 for more information.

CHRIS TANTI

CEO, LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATION

1788

Governor Arthur Phillip convenes the first sitting of the Court of Criminal Judicature in Australia. Seven officers sit as judges. Floggings follow: 200 lashes for striking a female convict, 150 for striking a sentry.

1812

Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signs a redistricting law to favour his party, giving rise to the term gerrymandering. 1858

St Bernadette of Lourdes, originally Marie-bernarde Soubirous, has a vision of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes, France, now the shrine of Lourdes.

1861

Robert Burke and William Wills, with two other explorers, reach mangroves which they take to be the Gulf of Carpentaria on their ill-fated long overland journey from Melbourne. 1956

Australian correspondent Richard Hughes, representing The Daily Telegraph in Sydney and The Sunday Times in London, finds missing British spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean in Moscow.

1975

British politician Margaret Thatcher is elected leader of the Conservative Party, replacing Edward Heath. She became Europe’s first female prime minister in 1979.

1990

After serving 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela is released, and he subsequently begins negotiations with President F.W. de Klerk that end apartheid in South Africa.

2006

Adventurer Steve Fossett completes the longest non-stop flight in aviation history with an emergency landing in Bournemouth, England. 2011

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down after nearly 30 years in power, following mass demonstrations that were part of the pro-democracy uprisings known as the Arab Spring. 2012

American rhythmand-blues singer Whitney Houston (above), who emerged as a pop superstar in the 1980s, dies at age 48.