YOUR LAST CHANCE TO STOP THE BETRAYAL AND WHAT YOU CAN DO

THE FACTS:

The Government Responded to the Final Report by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide by stating:

“The death by suicide of any Australian, including our veterans and current serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, is a tragedy. Australia has lost more serving and former serving personnel to suicide over the last 20 years than through operations in Afghanistan and Iraq over the same period. The implementation of the Government’s response will see the most comprehensive reform to the systems, processes and culture supporting Defence personnel and veterans ever undertaken in Australia.”

The Hon. Richard Marles MP and The Hon. Matt Keogh MP

THE ROYAL COMMISSION’S MOST IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation 122 demanded an independent oversight body to monitor government performance on veteran wellbeing and suicide prevention. The Commission explicitly required:

• it to be “independent and seen to be independent”
• that the “Minister would not be able to direct the entity”
• The Commissioner be appointed by the Governor-General
• Independence “crucial for maintaining community confidence”
• Recommendation 122.  See paragrapgh 30 to 55.

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT DELIVERED:

The Government snuck a document called Schedule 9 into the new Veteran Health Care Legislation and almost got away with convincing the senate to pass the legislation.. The senate demanded Schedule 9, the new Veteran Commissioner, be reviewed because there had been no consultation.  Schedule 9 states:

• Section 110ZJA: “There is to be a Defence and Veterans’ Services Commissioner”
• Section 110 ZJB: “The Commissioner will do all the Royal Commission Asked“
• Section 110ZJD: “The Commissioner has complete discretion” and “is not subject to direction by any person“
• Then in Fineprint: “Note: The Commissioner must comply with a request by the Minister under 4 section 110ZFB to inquire into or advise on specific matters”
• Section 110ZFB: “The Minister may request the Commissioner to” do the job he is asked to do“
  • “The Commissioner must comply with such a request”
  • “The Minister may withdraw or amend anything he gves the Commisioner to do”
  • “The Commissioner is appointed by Minister, not Governor-General“

THIS IS MINISTERIAL CONTROL BEHIND THE FACADE OF INDEPENDENCE 

Source:  AIHW-PHE-327-Australian-Defence-Force-suicide-monitoring-data-tables

THE CURRENT REALITY

• 3 veterans die by suicide every 3 weeks
• More veterans lost to suicide than Afghanistan and Iraq operations combined
• Government promised “most comprehensive reform ever undertaken”
  
• The Graph climbs upwards

THE GOVERNMENT IS RELYING ON YOU TO DO NOTHING – PROOVE THEM WRONG!

The Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee is reviewing Schedule 9. Late submissions are being accepted. This is the final opportunity to demand complete rescission before this betrayal becomes permanent.

WHAT YOU MUST DO

1. SEE HOW FEW CURRENT SUBMISSIONS THERE ARE

2.  THIS IS MINE

3. MAKE A SUBMISSION TO THE SENATE INQUIRY
Email: fadt.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject: Submission – Review of Schedule 9
Demand: Complete Schedule 9, be rescinded and not amended

4. USE THE PREPARED LETTERS
Download the detailed letters explaining why Schedule 9 must be rescinded
Select one, customise it, add your details, and send it immediately

Letter 1

Letter 2

Letter 3

5. SHARE WITH OTHER VETERANS
Every veteran needs to know about this betrayal
The more submissions demanding rescission, the stronger our voice