Ewen Jones (Herbert, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I was not able to make the trip to Amberley on Friday because I was in Cairns for the launch of the North Australia white paper—something else that this government is getting on creating and developing. My city of Townsville has not only the finest army base in the country in Lavarack Barracks but also a centrally located air base at Garbutt. In all we have some 6500 members of the ADF in the city. We have a high-skilled ADF, and our soldiers, the sailors of HMAS Canberra and the airmen and women in Townsville rely on quality equipment and support services. The city is always appreciative of the support we receive from the federal government and for our ADF personnel. However—as you said in one of your previous answers, Minister— there must always be that alignment of funding for expectation, so that a level of operational and strategic commitment to the development of those personnel and the equipment they use. I would like to ask you: what is in the Defence budget for Townsville in the next 12 months? Could you particularly touch on the new Chinook helicopters? What operational spending and infrastructure will be needed to support those?

Minister, I have also been contacted by a constituent of mine, Tim McHugh, about cattle having grazing access to the training grounds on High Range outside Townsville on the old Dotswood Station. Because we have spoken about it and because you have spoken about the drought throughout Queensland and New South Wales quite often, I know that you are keenly aware of the drought we have. How can I progress this discussion? Could you give me pointers on where to go? I know that you have been to Townsville recently, and I would like to extend the invitation to a fair dinkum inspection of facilities in Townsville. I know that the men and women of Lavarack and Ross Island RAAF Base would love to see you in our city to have a really good look at how very good we are at this.

My city is not just a brilliant defence base—Townsville is home to over 5,500 Defence Force veterans. Because so many ADF personnel retire directly into our community, the average age of my veterans is younger than most veteran communities. Many of these men and women do not avail themselves of the full value of the exit processes laid out by DVA. How is DVA working to assist veterans, no matter their age, when they do come to them for help? How can we ensure that every ADF member gets the option to access DVA when they separate from the service of the nation? These men and women bring a work ethic and a sense of community to my city. They are great citizens. We have, however, been a major contributor of personnel to Australia's longest action, the Afghanistan war. While those carrying physical injuries from wounds are easy to spot, it is the invisible wounds of PTSD which are of major concern to my community. Can you please tell my constituents and my veteran population how DVA and the wider defence community are helping our veterans cope with mental issues so that they can fully participate in my community?

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