GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO GEFFREY GREGG REVIEW

The Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) today released the three reports that make up the Gregg Review into the circumstances surrounding the service and suicide of Signaller Geffrey Gregg.

Signaller Gregg joined the Australian Army in March 2000 and served in Afghanistan in 2002 as part of 3 Squadron Special Air Service Regiment.  He was medically discharged from the Army in May 2004.  He died on 23 September 2006. 

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon. Alan Griffin MP and the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP said the Review confirmed the Government’s concerns regarding mental health support services for serving and former defence personnel.

“Prior to the election we were aware of significant problems with servicemen and women and veterans accessing relevant Australian Defence Force (ADF) and DVA mental health support services.  Labor’s Plan for Defence and Veterans detailed a number of initiatives that addressed these issues,” Mr Griffin said.

“While we cannot solve today all the issues raised by the review, we have begun the work to improve the care offered within the ADF, in transition, and after service.”

Mr Snowdon said improvements were underway in the handling of mental health issues and the quality of mental health support for serving and former members of the Defence Forces.

“In addition, a review of mental health services in the ADF was announced in May and will examine the spectrum of mental health policies across Defence and transitioning into the care of DVA.  A report to Government is expected before the end of this year.

Mr Griffin said the findings from the reports by Ron McLeod AM, Christopher Doogan AM and the Inspector General of the ADF, Geoff Earley AM, also found a number of problems with transition out of the services.

“The Gregg Review showed that the legislation is complex, and there is heavy reliance on volunteer pension officers and advocates to provide advice to veterans,” Mr Griffin said.

“Amongst a wide range of new transition and support initiatives, the Interdepartmental Working Group, chaired by the Secretary of DVA, has been established to help solve the problems encountered by discharging members when dealing with multiple agencies.”

Work has started to simplify claims forms, streamline applications, minimise proof of identity requirements for new claimants, and enable the sharing of medical records, including assessments, between departments. 

“Any suicide is a tragedy.  However this review provides us with specific strategies to better support discharging members and those suffering from the effects of their service,” Mr Griffin said.

“Much has been achieved since the election but there is more to be done.  This Government is committed to the challenge,” Mr Snowdon said.

Signaller Gregg’s family and partner have received copies of the Gregg Review.  They have also met with Defence and DVA and received personal briefings on the reports, the findings, recommendations and actions.

The reports and responses can be downloaded from www.dva.gov.au and www.defence.gov.au/publications.cfm

Summary of programs and initiatives

Mental health

• Review of Mental Health Services in the ADF and Transition Through Discharge;
• Planned independent study into suicide in the ex-service community;
• Applied Suicide and Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program – training people to recognise and respond to those at risk of suicide.  The 2008-09 Budget provided additional $1million;
• VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service;
• 24 hour crisis telephone support services;
• Operation Life – suicide prevention initiative.   The 2008-09 Budget provided additional $3 million over three years;
• At Ease – mental health awareness program.

Simpler discharging for ADF members

• DVA Client Liaison Unit incorporating a tailored service for clients with multiple needs;
• Stepping Out – civilian integration program;
• ADF’s Integrated People Support Strategy, to prepare servicemen and women for life after Defence, before they leave.  It is currently underway in WA and SA, and soon to rolled out in North Queensland and Central Sydney;
• Interdepartmental Working Group;
• Increased funding of $14.9 million for ex-service organisations to support and train advocates;
• Transition case management pilot and family support trial (Townsville)

Note: The report by Ron McLeod AM examined Signaller Gregg’s relationship with Commonwealth agencies. The report by Christopher Doogan AM deals Signaller Gregg’s contact with DVA and Comsuper and the Inspector General of the ADF, Geoff Earley AM, investigated Signaller Gregg’s experience in the ADF.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):                02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Laura Ryan (Alan Griffin):                          02 6277 7820 or 0437 863 109