McCORMACK URGES LABOR TO INCLUDE WAGGA WAGGA WELL-BEING CENTRE IN THE BUDGET

Riverina MP Michael McCormack is continuing to fight for the establishment of a comprehensive Veterans’ well-being centre in the Wagga Wagga region.

Mr McCormack said Labor needed to seriously reconsider investing in Wagga Wagga for Veterans and Defence personnel to receive the support they need and deserve.

“The Wagga Wagga region has a large Veteran and Defence Personnel population, with all three arms of the Defence Force having a presence in the city,” Mr McCormack said.

“If Labor is serious about improving Veteran services, particularly in the mental health space in light of the ongoing Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, then it needs to establish a strong support network presence in Wagga Wagga and it needs to start with its upcoming Budget in May,” Mr McCormack said.

“I have written to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh to invite them to visit the city and see for themselves the great work local Veteran advocacy groups do, including Pro Patria, RSL Lifecare and the Contemporary Veterans Wagga Wagga organisation.”

The latest Census data indicates there are more than 3,800 Veterans in the Riverina electorate of which more than 1,500 reside in Wagga Wagga.

“Those figures do not include any family members who may also require support,” Mr McCormack said.

“This should be above politics and delivery of these facilities should not be limited to Labor-held seats.”

The previous Coalition Government committed $5 million towards establishing a Veteran Well-being Centre in Wagga Wagga, which was to be made available to all current and former serving Australian Defence Force members, including reservists, and their families.

“I will continue to fight for this important service for and on behalf of our Veterans and Defence personnel, who have served our country with distinction and pride,” Mr McCormack said.

“It just makes sense to have a well-being centre in Wagga Wagga when $960 million is being invested into the city’s Defence facilities through the Defence White Paper and the region already playing a significant role in our nation’s Defence programs.”