Australian Greens spokesperson for veterans' affairs, Senator Penny Wright, has used Vietnam Veterans Day today to call on the Australian Government for better recognition of veterans' mental health causes.

Senator Wright said it was important Australia applied the lessons learnt from the Vietnam War and recognised the significant and long-lasting impacts of war experienced by veterans and their families.

ANZAC Day is a special day for any veteran.  But today will be a particularly special one for our peacekeepers. They now know, after long years of campaigning, that those among their ranks who died in the service of their country will finally be recognised on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial.

As we remember those who fought for our country, we should also remember those who died in the pursuit of peace, says Australian Greens spokesperson on Veterans Affairs, Senator Penny Wright.

"ANZAC Day is a great opportunity to remember all of those affected by war, whether it is those who died in service, those who returned but live with the scars, or families and loved ones who also bear the brunt," said Senator Wright.

I move that the Senate:

(a) notes that:

(i) about 70 000 Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police personnel have been deployed on over 60 peacekeeping operations throughout the world, significantly contributing to international peace and security, and

(ii) more than 40 000 people signed a community petition calling for the 48 Australian peacekeepers who have died in service to receive equal recognition and be placed on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial; and

(b) commends:

Today's long overdue decision by the Australian War Memorial Council to include the names of the 48 fallen peacekeepers on the honour roll is significant as it means that for the first time in Australia's history, their sacrifices will be properly honoured, Greens spokesperson for Veterans Affairs, Penny Wright said.

“Since 1947 members of the Australian Defence Forces have served Australia’s interests as peacekeepers, honourably and with courage, in situations of conflict and danger.

Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
Supplementary Budget Estimates 2012-13; 17 October 2012

Question 104 | Outcome 3: Program 3.1
Topic: Recognition in the Australian War Memorial

Audio of the press conference by Senator Milne and Senator Wright on Gonski school funding reforms and recognition for peacekeepers