Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I can say to the Senate that we have had substantial funding dedicated to ensure that doctors, medical specialists and allied health providers are able to continue to provide free quality health care to veterans; and this case would be no exception. As to the details of the suicides that Senator Bartlett has mentioned, I am not aware of those. Of course for privacy reasons we would not go into the identity of those concerned. I will look into that and if there is any further information I can provide the Senate then I will.

Veterans returning from Iraq would be able to receive the standard care that we provide to veterans generally. We have provided substantial funding of some additional $600 million. We do have a suicide prevention program. It is of course an issue of concern that people would suffer depression as a result of any deployment—and that they may take their lives. I can say that we have 23 cases of mental health problems being treated. There are other cases which are being treated. I will get further details of those and provide them to the Senate.