Page 2529 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 9 August 2016
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coming year. That is why the ACT government has allocated an additional $718,000 to complete the implementation of the NDIS in the ACT.
At approximately 6pm, in accordance with standing order 34, the debate was interrupted. The motion for the adjournment of the Assembly having been put and negatived, the debate was resumed.
Sitting suspended from 5.58 to 7.30 pm.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (7.30): I rise this evening to talk about a portfolio that is very close to my heart—veterans affairs. I am very glad the government has responded to our calls to establish this position. I think it is good. We first announced a shadow minister for veterans affairs in 2009, and it has taken a little time but it is nice to see that the government has done this. It has been done in other states and territories, I believe; we were probably the last one to act in this space. Although the bulk of the responsibilities for veterans issues are dealt with through DVA and the federal government, there is no doubt the impact and the delivery of many of the services is here in the ACT.
As I have said before in this place, we have a particular defence heritage in the ACT stretching back to the early days of Duntroon established in 1911. Since that day many who have passed through that place who came to Canberra with their families and served in the Defence Force continue to live here. An enormous number of defence families reside in Canberra. Many, like me, come here on posting and then decide to remain. It is good that it is now a bipartisan endeavour to make sure we are doing what we can to support veterans in our community.
I was at the Luton ball on Saturday night—I am not sure if any members opposite were there; Mr Coe was there, I know—and the subject was suicide. One of the speeches was from a guy called Todd, who served in the army and shared some horrific experiences that he had. They were quite graphic and disturbing and they led to his attempted suicide. His story was very moving. He is closely associated with Soldier On, and it is great to see so many organisations in our community are looking after soldiers who are not just wounded physically but wounded psychology. It was great to see the Canberra community getting behind those veterans.
I commend the Canberra community for the support they provide for veterans groups. I rattle the tin for Legacy during Legacy Week and I do the same for the RSL, and people are enormously generous. As all of us know, it can be a bit difficult standing outside a shopping centre engaging with the public; they do not always want to stop and talk to politicians. But they always stop and give money and support charities like Legacy and the RSL that do such good work in our community. We know many veterans who have suffered from dislocation from their community, mental health issues and physical ailments and are supported by Legacy, as are defence widows.
Some good initiatives have been put in place by the government for which I commend them. The Veterans’ Advisory Council was the subject of a motion in this place when I called on the government to establish that structure, and I am glad they have. It is good that the government get advice from veterans. I am aware there is some debate
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