Repat closure must not disrupt veterans services

Services to veterans must not be interrupted by the planned closure of the General Repatriation Hospital, says Australian Greens Senator for South Australia Senator Penny Wright.

Senator Wright said the new centre of excellence must be fully operational before the Repat is closed, and consideration should be given to the cultural significance of the site for veterans.

"The General Repatriation Hospital is more than just a hospital to many veterans - it is a place to meet and to remember and has had a culture that respects and understands veterans," Senator Wright said.

"The veteran community hold many significant events at the repat, including ANZAC and Remembrance Day services which I have been privileged to attend."

Senator Wright said the State Government would need to carefully manage the transition to ensure critical services were maintained.

"The Repat should not close until the all the details of the new centre are bedded down and approved by the veterans' community," Senator Wright said.

"There will need to be very careful consultation to ensure veterans are still able to access the new centre that is responsive to their unique needs and without interruption to services."