Assistant Minister for Defence - Fifth annual wounded, injured and ill digger forum

The Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, spoke to wounded, injured and ill soldiers and their families at the Chief of Army’s Wounded, Injured and Ill Digger Forum in Canberra yesterday.

The forum was an opportunity for soldiers and their families to share their experiences of having been wounded, injured or ill, while healthcare providers focussed on support services available for non-operational injuries and illnesses. 

Minister Robert hailed the forum as an opportunity to highlight Army’s continued support to members who have been wounded, injured or become ill in the service of their nation.

“People are Defence’s most important capability. This Government is very supportive of all initiatives which assist our wounded service members and their families,” Minister Robert said.

“I thank all those who have shared their personal experiences today. Their stories will shape the support and health care services available both now and in the future.”

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, said Army continues to learn from those who have been wounded, injured and ill.

“We are committed to ensuring all soldiers who are seriously wounded, injured and ill, whether that is on operations overseas or during training here at home, receive the best care and support during their recovery,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“The feedback we receive at this forum shapes our understanding of the challenges faced by soldiers during their recovery and assists in making sure we provide the right mix of support for them and their families.”

The forum is part of the Army’s Support to Wounded, Injured and Ill Program which was established in 2008 to meet the needs of an increasing number of wounded, injured or ill personnel resulting from operational deployments in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Activities such as the Wounded, Injured and Ill Digger Forum contribute to the continuing development and refinement of Army’s support for members and their families.

Further information about Army’s Support to Wounded, Injured and Ill Program is available at: http://www.army.gov.au/Army-life/Wounded-Injured-and-Ill-Digger

Media note:

Imagery of the forum is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20143053 

Media contacts:

Minister Robert’s Office (02) 6277 7730

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999