LOOKING AFTER THE NEXT GENERATION

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today delivered the opening speech at the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Joint Health Command and Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service conference, Next Generation: Emerging Trends in Mental Health held in Canberra.

Mr Snowdon said that the national conference was the peak meeting for health and allied professionals to exchange developments in mental health support for serving ADF members and those in the ex‑Service community.

“It was my pleasure to deliver the conference opening speech to highlight this Government’s commitment to improving the management of mental health issues among currently serving ADF members and those in the veterans community,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) have some leading mental health care programs in place, but it is fair to say that the Government has been concerned that there are gaps in the delivery of some services.

“I am heartened that through conferences such as this Defence and DVA are able to draw on the wealth of health care expertise and experience that is available across Australia and from our overseas allies and colleagues to refine and develop our mental health programs.

“Collaboration can only improve mental health care for our people and I am pleased that Defence is also working closely with other agencies such as the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health, the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service.

“With Professor Dunt’s independent review of Mental Health Care in the ADF and Transition to Discharge also mapping out a way ahead for the enhanced delivery of services, I am confident that ADF members and their families will soon experience improved mental health care and support.”

Mr Snowdon said the conference attracted leading keynote speakers from around Australia and overseas and participants included commanders, medical officers, nursing officers, psychologists, chaplains, social workers, medical assistants, psychological examiners, psychiatrists, managers, policy makers, administrators, and researchers. 

The one-day conference will focus on international perspectives of emerging trends in the mental health needs and care of serving and ex-serving personnel, overcoming stigma, decompression, resilience, mild traumatic brain injury and mental health training. 

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664