Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I won't detain the Senate much longer on this particular report, because I know that there are other matters to come, but I would like to contribute a few remarks. I commend this report to the chamber.

We heard from a large number of veterans and a large number of experts in this area who gave us, at times, shocking evidence. Some of the numbers and facts were very confronting for a number of people. I would very, very strongly suggest and beg the government to look at these recommendations. I've just listened to the contribution from Senator Macdonald, and, yes, the committee is aware of the announcements that the government has made, but there are still significant things that need to be done. I think we made 19 recommendations—we added a few at the end, so I must admit I lost count of the final number but I think I'm right in saying 19. They cover a wide range of issues that urgently need to be addressed. We have a significant problem in this country, and the recommendations, I believe—and I'm sure those on the committee do to—will address it. It is absolutely imperative that the issues that were brought up in our report, in full knowledge of all of the other work that's going on, need to be addressed. If anybody doubts that we have a problem, I urge them to read the report or, better still—because we can't put everything into the report—read the hundreds of submissions that we received and also look at the transcripts from the hearings. Then people will understand why it's so important that we look at these recommendations.

I strongly support this report. It was, I've got to say, quite harrowing sometimes listening to the evidence. If we feel that, imagine what veterans are feeling right now living on a day-to-day basis without adequate supports and still with problems in the way that things are handled, including with the department. I think we owe it to our veterans to make sure that every one of these recommendations is given very close attention. I commend the report to the chamber, and I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.