An Open Letter to Queensland Premier and Leader of the Opposition

24 September 2024

Dear Premier of Queensland and Leader of the Opposition,

Legacy has been dedicated to supporting and caring for the families of our veterans for over 100 years, and our commitment to their well-being remains steadfast.

Many veterans and their families choose to settle in Queensland after their service. Queensland is the largest veteran and family State in Australia with 28.1% of the veteran and family community making Queensland their home, totalling 139,973 ex-serving veterans, not including their families or currently serving members. This represents a substantial voting base.

In times of community crisis such as COVID-19, bushfires, and floods, the Queensland Government has consistently called upon the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for support. I am certain that during the planning of the upcoming Olympics in Queensland, the government will once again rely on our devoted and reliable ADF.

However, will the Queensland Government support our ADF, veterans, and their families when they seek assistance? The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran suicide has underscored the responsibilities of State and Territory governments to ensure continuity of care and services to ADF members transitioning between states or reintegrating into communities across Queensland.

I urge both parties to pursue a policy of ‘No Disadvantage in Queensland due to service to our country’. Queensland must attract transitioning Defence talent and their families by acknowledging that when one serves, the entire family is involved. It is crucial that when these families need support, Queensland provides it. They have served us in our time of need; it is now time for the Queensland Government to respond in kind.

The Royal Commission also identified areas where the ADF, veteran, and ex-service community, along with State and Federal agencies, could collaboratively co-design and develop policies to attract veterans and their families to Queensland. These include:

Data Collection: State Government departments should ask a simple question: “Do you or have you served in the ADF?” This will help the Queensland Government better understand the needs of this community.  Other states have already commenced this journey.

Schooling: Remove the requirement for an address to enrol children when a family is posted to Queensland from another State or Territory. Instead, simply ask if they are subject to an ADF posting order.

Childcare: Prioritise access for ADF members near military bases, as 60% of ADF members live in childcare deserts, compared to 32% of Australians. There should be no additional burden on the families that serve our country.

Health: Develop Veteran Aware cultural packages for Primary Health Network staff in areas with high veteran concentrations. Encourage the Queensland Mental Health Commission to recognise veterans and their families as a vulnerable group.

Employment: Support initiatives to employ spouses of serving and ex-serving members, as lack of childcare impacts spousal employment opportunities.

Before the election, political parties have the chance to demonstrate their commitment to veterans and their families in Queensland by co-designing policies that ensure no disadvantage for serving our country. Post-election, I am willing to assist in fulfilling this promise.

Legacy has seen the profound stress service life imposes on members and their families. The impact of supporting a loved one facing mental health issues, PTSD, trauma, and/or suicidality is significant and enduring.

Our priority has always been and will continue to be the well-being of veterans’ families. Legacy continues to support the ESO and the Defence community in creating lasting change.

Will Queensland lead the nation in this vital endeavour and inspire other states to follow, or will we remain indifferent to those who serve us in our times of need?

I ask that you make a pre-election commitment to the Queensland based ADF, Veteran and family community to acknowledge their service and ensure Queensland will support them in uniform and in community. I sincerely look forward to your response so I can share your position with the 4,380 families in Legacy Brisbane’s care, the other six Legacy Clubs in Queensland, the broader ex Service Organisation community of Queensland and of course Queensland based ADF Commanders.

Yours in Legacy,

Brendan Cox
CEO, Legacy Brisbane