Oxley Electorate: Veterans

21 November 2016

I rise to brief the parliament on a round table that I hosted last Tuesday with the

member for Kingston and the shadow minister for veterans' affairs to support veterans in my local community.

I, like every other member of this parliament, am committed to supporting veterans' groups, particularly on the

issue of mental health and veterans' suicide.

It was a timely meeting after the nation paused to commemorate Remembrance Day on the Friday before. I was

honoured to attend the national ceremony here in Canberra, along with my friend the member for Canberra.

Representatives from each of Oxley's RSL sub branches attended the roundtable. I thank the Centenary Suburbs

RSL Sub Branch, Darra Cementco Bowls Club, Goodna RSL Sub Branch and Redbank Plains RSL Sub Branch

for their attendance and for the excellent work they do in advocating for veterans. Veterans were able to tell

their stories and, along with the member for Kingston, I was very happy to listen. Their stories and experiences

provide invaluable knowledge on how we can and must better support our local veterans.

I would also like to thank Peter Mapp and Ted Fotek for accompanying us to inspect the proposed site of the

Anzac Cove memorial at the Darra Cementco Bowls Club, a major upgrade at this important local institution.

I thank the President of the Springfield Light Tower association, Damian Gillette, and past president Ralph

Breaden for giving us a closer look at Australia's first digital defence memorial, which I am proud to say is

located in the south-west suburbs of Brisbane.

As the son of World War II veteran, I will always support our veterans, particularly those who call Oxley home.