Page 1075 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 25 March 2015
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I also note that as operations become more complex we have seen increasing numbers of AFP and Australian public servants deployed to support military operations. We certainly saw that at the return from Operation Slipper, as they proudly marched with their ADF colleagues on Saturday. Their role is just as essential as that of their military counterparts. In places where we are trying to restore the rule of law and civil infrastructure it is in many cases the civilians who can create a lasting peace.
Many of our service members come from Canberra, where we have a disproportionately large defence community. There are many thousands of ex-service personnel in the ACT, of whom about 15,000 have been on active overseas service. Approximately 5,000 serving defence personnel work and live in Canberra, many of whom have seen active service overseas or may soon be deploying overseas on a variety of missions.
The unique nature of military service creates a particularly difficult environment for those veterans integrating into civilian life after military service, which is especially true for those who have been physically or psychologically affected by their service. Military service provides service members with skills and experience, but it also results in equally significant sacrifices and challenges for both themselves and their families. Many veterans, regardless of age, face challenges arising from their service, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Self-harm and suicide rates have increased within our veteran community and are of great concern to our broader community.
The unique nature of military service creates a particularly difficult environment for those veterans who are integrating into civilian life after military service, which is especially true for those, as I said, who have been affected.
If we are to avoid another generation of service men and women who are placed in difficult circumstances, be it through our neglect, we must do everything that we can to highlight those who have given their service and do everything that we can to support them. For many of those who are still serving, and for those that have retired and left the service, the support they are provided by ex-service organisations is vital. It is good to see a representative of those ex-service organisations here in the chamber today. Welcome.
We have a large number of veteran organisations in the ACT, including the RSL, Legacy, Soldier On, the Vietnam Veterans Federation, and many others who dedicate themselves to looking after veterans. Numerous organisations and programs provide a broad spectrum of benefits and support services that assist veterans and eligible beneficiaries, while other organisations provide comradeship for veterans.
A number of organisations are focused on the dependants of veterans. These include Legacy and the War Widows Guild. All organisations focus on remembering the contribution and sacrifice made by those veterans who did not return and those who returned damaged by war.
I would also like to mention the sacrifice made by defence families and the support they provide, particularly when service members return wounded or traumatised by
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