The issue
of veterans’ homelessness will be a focus of discussions
when Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan hosts his
state and territory counterparts in Canberra today and
tomorrow.
The
inaugural Veterans Ministers’ Roundtable delivers a
Federal Government election commitment to bring state
and territory ministers together to tackle veterans’
issues.
"The
Government places the highest priority on ensuring
veterans and their families have the support they need,
when they need it," Mr Tehan said.
"Discussions will focus on the important issue of
veterans’ homelessness and this meeting is an
opportunity to explore improving the services provided
to veterans and identify best practice."
The Federal Government has
commissioned research into veterans’ homelessness that
will develop estimates of the number of veterans
accessing homeless services, the factors that cause
homelessness and the experiences of homeless veterans.
The research will be completed by the end of 2017.
"The Ministers will also
discuss mental health, suicide, incarceration,
vocational rehabilitation, employment and transitioning
from the military to civilian life," Mr Tehan said.
"Everyone attending these
discussions has the best interests of our veterans at
heart and I am confident this first roundtable meeting
will produce results that make a difference for our
veteran community."
