LABOR SHUNS RIVERINA VETERANS
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has slammed the decision from the Labor Government to abandon Veterans in the Wagga Wagga region.
Mr McCormack said Labor had let down the local Veteran community by not including a well-being centre in the Riverina electorate.
“The previous Government’s plan was to invest in Veteran Well-being Centres based in locations with a significant Veteran population, including at Wagga Wagga in the Riverina electorate which was to receive up to $5 million to better help connect Veterans to available support and advocacy, with a particular focus on health and well-being,” Mr McCormack said.
“In a cynical move, Labor has ripped up this practical plan and announced funding for centres in predominantly Labor-held seats.
“One of Labor’s campaign pillars was that it promised that ‘no-one would be left behind’ but they have certainly neglected the well-being of the Riverina Veteran community.
“The latest Census data indicates there are more than 3,800 Veterans in the Riverina electorate of which 1,426 reside in Wagga Wagga – those figures do not include any family members who may also require support.
“All three arms of the Defence Force are in the regional city – the Home of the Soldier, Blamey Barracks at Kapooka, RAAF Base Wagga and the Royal Australian Navy.
“A strong support network needs to be made available for if and when they or their family members need it, which is why I will continue to fight to establish a well-being facility for and on behalf of our Veterans and Defence personnel, who have served our country with distinction and pride, for if they need assistance with access to health and mental health support, help with finding work and transitioning out of military life.
“With the Federal Government investing $960 million into Defence facilities in Wagga Wagga through the Defence White Paper and the city already playing a significant role in our nation’s Defence programs, it only makes sense to invest in the people who will work and train in these facilities as well.”