Greens’ spokesperson for Veterans Affairs and Mental Health, Senator Penny Wright, has today moved a motion in the Senate to commemorate Remembrance Day, recognising the sacrifice of Australians who have died serving our country and highlighting the ongoing mental health impacts of service on veterans and their families.

The motion was co-sponsored by Senators Feeney and Ronaldson and was passed unanimously by the Senate.

"As we give thanks for the generous service of our Australian soldiers on Remembrance Day, we must also acknowledge and reflect on the problems faced by veterans and their families when they return home from war," Senator Wright said.

"It’s clear that many veterans suffer from mental health effects directly related to their experiences in conflict zones.  If, as a society, we are willing send people off to serve on our behalf, we must ensure that we look after them properly when they return.

“We also know that the mental health effects of conflict, including suicide, reach beyond veterans to their families who often bear the brunt of the pain of their loved ones.

"As a nation we must speak out about the mental health costs of conflict to ensure that veterans and their families receive the understanding and care they need. It's the least we can do for the  people who are willing to put their lives on the line to serve Australia."

The motion asked that the Senate recognise:

1. The sacrifice of Australians who have died serving our country
2. Death is not the only human toll of war
3. That veterans suffer from mental health effects directly related to their experiences serving in conflict zones, including suicide
4. The mental health effects of conflict reach beyond veterans to their families, who are also affected

and called on the government to continue to:

1. Ensure funding for mental health services for veterans and their families,
2. Encourage the armed services to promote and support good mental health practices,
3. Encourage speaking out about suicide and to make suicide prevention a priority, including within the armed forces, and
4. Encourage a culture of openness and understanding about mental health in the Australian military.

The motion in full can be found here.

Media contact – Anna Chang 0417 173 508