The Government has confirmed that it did not consult with Ex-Service Organisations before it cut funding to the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program last year, the Australian Greens said.

The Government confirmed last night during Senate Estimates that the cuts to the BEST program are here to stay.

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.

SENATOR WRIGHT: I move:

That the Senate

Greens Veterans Affairs and Mental Health spokesperson, Senator Penny Wright, has welcomed the release of a landmark Defence Force study into the mental health of troops across three forces.

"It is not surprising that when we send people into conflict zones on our behalf, they experience events and trauma that take a toll on their mental health," Senator Wright said.

 "It is vitally important that we know the extent of the challenges veterans face so that the Defence Force can provide the follow-up and support they need."

To mark Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day and the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Greens Veterans' Affairs Spokesperson, Senator Penny Wright discusses how we need to better support our veterans on Radio Adelaide.

"As a society we send people off to serve on our behalf; we must then ensure that we look after them properly when they return."

Vietnam Veterans’ Remembrance Day and the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan is a timely moment to consider the ongoing costs of war, according to Greens Veterans’ Affairs spokesperson Penny Wright.

“As a society we send people off to serve on our behalf.  We must then ensure that we look after them properly when they return,” Senator Wright said.

“As we consider the brave service of our soldiers in Vietnam, we must also reflect on the problems faced by veterans and their families when they return home from war.