Darren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

There is nothing humane about sending our ADF personnel to pick up the pieces. There is nothing humane about subjecting them and their families to the nightmares that have followed. The emotional and the physical impact of exposure to these experiences can have and has had long-term consequences for some veterans and their families. I simply take this opportunity to thank them for their service and to thank them for keeping us safe and protecting our borders. Our Defence Force members and their families will carry an enormous burden if the people smugglers get back into business. I take this opportunity to advise both our current and former serving members and their families that the Open Arms counselling service is available for free support 24 hours a day seven days a week on 1800011046.

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