DEFENCE FORCE MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND TRANSITION REVIEW REPORT
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon. Alan Griffin MP, today welcomed Professor David Dunt’s independent Review of Mental Health Care in the ADF and Transition through Discharge report.
“The Government is committed to providing the very best mental health support to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and those transitioning to the ex-service community,” Mr Snowdon said.
“While Defence has well-established mental health programs and services, the Government was concerned that access to, and delivery of, this support has been patchy, with some extra challenges facing those transitioning out of the ADF.”
“Professor Dunt’s report is timely as the ADF’s operational tempo over the last few years has placed a significant demand on mental health program delivery, and the services required to support younger veterans,” Mr Griffin said.
“That is why Professor David Dunt was commissioned to conduct an independent review of the effectiveness of ADF mental health care and the support that’s available from military service through to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.”
Mr Griffin and Mr Snowdon received an extensive briefing from Professor Dunt on the key findings and recommendations of his report.
“Professor Dunt’s review has highlighted successes and gaps in the delivery of mental health and transition services. It makes recommendations to improve the delivery of those services,” Mr Griffin said.
“The Government thanks Professor Dunt for his work.”
After considering the report and its recommendations, the Government will meet with key stakeholders and publicly release the report.
Imagery of Mr Snowdon and Mr Griffin meeting with Professor Dunt is available at: www.defence.gov.au/media/download
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon): 02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Laura Ryan (Alan Griffin): 02 6277 7820 or 0437 863 109
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664