Thompson: Veteran Employment Program Cut a “Disgrace”
Herbert MP and Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Phillip Thompson has condemned the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to axe a $16.2M program to help veterans into the civilian workforce.
Mr Thompson said the Enhanced Employment Support for Veterans program helped provide a soft landing for recently-discharged ADF members.
“I know firsthand what it’s like when when you transition out, and these programs help our veterans – our brave men and women who are transitioning out – to find employment,” he said.
“Not having this funding slows down our ability to be able to help our veterans, which means we’re going to see more people fall through the cracks.
“We’ve seen through the Royal Commission that getting people into meaningful engagement and meaningful employment does have a significant benefit for them.
“Veterans who find themselves not getting meaningful engagement and employment have had relationship breakdowns, and some people have succumbed to their war within and have died by suicide.
“So I am not just concerned. I’m extremely disappointed that this government and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh has cut the $16.2M for employment initiatives.
“It’s an absolute disgrace.”
ENDS