BEERWAH’S The Local Bar and Cafe had a visit from Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Barnaby Joyce, Fisher MP Andrew Wallace and Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien last week to discuss funding for veterans’ support services.
The Sunshine Coast has one of the most populous regions of ex-serving ADF personnel and The Local’s co-owner and Young Veterans President, Peter Kennedy, is forging ahead with the development of facilities within the new Health Hub on Turner Street.
“The strength of character and incredible work done by the likes of Young Veterans President Peter Kennedy, will go it alone to provide a wellness hub for veterans in Beerwah doesn’t make this right,” Mr Wallace said.
“I applaud PK, but that doesn’t let this Labor Government off the hook… this is about supporting veterans and their families on behalf of a grateful nation.”
Mr Joyce said there has been a lack of funding from the Labor government for Veteran Hub’s across Queensland, which he believes a coalition federal government wouldn’t let this happen.
“It all started with the Prime Minister’s decision to dump the position of Minister for Veterans’ Affairs from the Cabinet,” Mr Joyce said. “Veterans are not getting a voice at the very table where funding decisions are being made, and since then we’ve seen Veteran Wellbeing Centres cut from areas like the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay.”
Main image: Andrew Wallace, Pete Kennedy, Steph Shipman and Barnaby Joyce