Wagga's veterans welcome inquiry into military to civilian life transition

At least that is what Wagga’s former servicemen and women say. 

Embedded in the garrison town and across the region, there are more than 400 men and women, burdened with psychological and physical scars from their time in cams, according to the Wagga RSL Sub Branch. 

But of all the recorded injuries and diagnoses of post traumatic stress disorder, veterans like Peter Robinson said it was the feeling of abandonment when discharged that hurt the most. 

It is the reason behind the launch of a parliamentary inquiry into the support provided to members of the Australian Defence Force when they transition from active service to life outside the military. 

“It feels like your family has kicked you out,” Mr Robinson said. “One day you’re in uniform and the next your not; just like that.” 

Mr Robinson said all of a sudden you were on your own, navigating a foreign world of administration processes, employment barriers and financial procedures you had not known about. 

It is the reason the a former air force sergeant and local sub-branch member – this week welcomed the inquiry, which is set to be be conducted by Defence’s sub-committee of parliament’s joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade.

According to the inquiry’s chair, the focus will be on mental health care, employment pathways and the role of ex-service organisations, with an aim to improve services available. 

Submissions close July 13.

Mr Robinson said it had taken two years for him to re-integrate into society, after he was discharged in 2000, following 23 years of service.  

He said it was the same for other veterans. 

Now volunteering as a welfare and advisory support for former service personnel, Mr Robinson said learning to live a civilian life was hard to do on your own. 

His words come ahead of a Defence Community Organisation-lead transition seminar, earmarked for Wagga on June 19 and 20.