Vasey RSL Care has welcomed the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down on Monday - a significant moment in addressing the complex and multifaceted issue of veteran suicide in Australia. With 122 recommendations, the report represents a monumental step forward in improving outcomes for veterans, particularly in their transition from military to civilian life.
Janna Voloshin, CEO of Vasey RSL Care, commended the report but emphasised the importance of timely action. “While we appreciate the report, the real test will be in how quickly the Government responds. Veterans can’t afford to wait.” Ms Voloshin emphasised the importance of a proactive approach, highlighting that the transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to civilian life is a critical time for veterans' wellbeing. "We have a solution already saving lives - our V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program," Ms Voloshin added.
The V Centre, located in Ivanhoe, Victoria, launched in February this year, provides veterans with accommodation and tailored, wraparound support services. The centre specifically supports veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Vasey RSL Care has long advocated for government partnership to expand this successful model, which directly aligns with one of the Commission's key recommendations.
Recommendation 88 calls for a national funding agreement focused on veterans' wellbeing, including long-term investment in veteran-specific housing and wraparound services. "The V Centre Veteran Empowerment Program is a current, operational solution to this recommendation," Ms Voloshin said, "and we hope the Government will now consider partnering with us to share this societal responsibility."
Chris Gray, a veteran and General Manager for Veteran Services at Vasey RSL Care, stressed the urgency of taking action. "We need to do better. Three veterans lose their lives to suicide every fortnight - imagine losing three mates every two weeks" Mr Gray said. "Places like The V Centre can help combat this statistic by providing the support veterans need during their most vulnerable moments."
The Royal Commission's report highlights the need for empowerment programs, and Vasey RSL Care is already leading the way. "Volume 5 of the report includes Chapter 24: Empowering veterans to thrive," Mr. Gray noted. "That's exactly what the V Centre does - it empowers veterans to lead a life they value, improving their overall wellbeing and saving their life."
With the Royal Commission’s report laying out a roadmap for veteran support, Vasey RSL Care is already paving the way for change and urges the Government to seize this opportunity at make lasting change.
About us:
BACKGROUND:
Australian veterans are three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population.
Australian veterans are over twice as likely to die by suicide than the general population.
Male veterans are 90% more likely to be admitted to a public hospital for a self harm–related injury than other Australian male patients.
Female veterans are 2.6 times more likely to be admitted to a public hospital for a self harm–related injury than other Australian female patients.
Contact details:
Heidi Flower, Government Relations Adviser, Vasey RSL Care
E: Heidi.Flower@vaseyrslcare.org.au
M: 0436 609 385