Veterans will get better access to health and wellbeing support under a plan unveiled by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
A re-elected coalition government would establish 14 new Veteran Wellbeing Centres, at a cost of $70 million.
The centres would be based in locations across the country with significant veteran populations.
They will provide a one-stop-shop, in partnership with ex-service and community organisations, to better help connect veterans to support and advocacy services.
“We must look after our vets and their families and provide support for the men and women who have served in our Australian Defence Force and put their lives on the line for our nation, our values and our way of life,” Mr Morrison said, campaigning in Brisbane on Friday.
“This new commitment builds on almost $400 million of support provided in the budget for our veterans and their families.”
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Andrew Gee said the centres had proven to be “welcoming places that build community connections”.
“Whether it be mental or physical health support, help finding a job, assistance in lodging claims, or just providing a friendly place for a chat and a coffee, the organisations running these centres are working tirelessly to help our veterans and their families,” he said.
Among the identified areas are: Greater Sydney, western Sydney, NSW mid-north coast, Newcastle-Hunter, Wagga Wagga, Mackay, Wide-Bay Burnett, Sunshine Coast, southeast Queensland, northern suburbs of Perth, Greater Melbourne, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula and ACT.
There are centres already in Townsville, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Wodonga and Nowra, with Tasmania and Moreton Bay centres also planned.
