The Canberra Liberals have made an election commitment to increase services and support for ACT veterans, including a community facility, a northside memorial, a community expo, a grants program, a veteran community co-ordinator, and a wellbeing network online portal.

“There are over 22,000 veterans in the ACT, and the Canberra Liberals value and respect the contributions our veterans have made and are continuing to make to our community,” party leader Elizabeth Lee said. “We are committed to delivering adequate support for our veterans.

“These commitments will be on top of the existing measures already in place, and will go a long way in supporting the large number of veterans living in the ACT.

“The Canberra Liberals will work with veterans’ organisations and provide a facility for veterans’ groups to meet which will include counselling meetings rooms and larger spaces for meetings, band practice and the like, along with a permanent home for the South Canberra Veterans shed with a workshop space.

“It is also important to continue to deliver the annual Veterans Expo as well as the annual veterans grant program, which will form part of the Canberra Liberals’ commitment.”

Nicole Lawder, Shadow Minister for Seniors and Veterans, said greater co-ordination and collaboration was needed within the veteran support sector.

“That is why we have committed to establish a Veteran Community Coordinator that will liaise with and encourage collaboration and coordination between veteran organisations,” Ms Lawder said.

“This will minimise duplication of effort, facilitate conversations on veteran policy, and promote the services provided by each organisation to make it easier for veterans to access the service best suited to their needs.

“The online portal will also provide a single point for veterans and the community to search for veterans’ support services and veteran support organisations operating in and servicing the ACT.

“The Canberra Liberals are committed to providing support for the ACT veteran community, and these measures will go a long way in achieving that.”

ACT Government response

Emma Davidson, Minister for Community Services, Seniors and Veterans, said: “It’s great to see support across the political spectrum for what the ACT Government is already doing for veterans and their families, such as funding for community connection projects and the veterans expo.

“Over the past years, we have successfully lobbied and continued to work with the Commonwealth Government to establish the capital region Veteran and Family Hub, which will better support the veteran community live well in the ACT. It will provide space for veterans and their families to come together and access the right support for their needs.

“The ACT Greens will announce commitments over the coming months to better support veterans in our community and make Canberra a place where everyone can thrive.”