After a tumultuous month in Canberra, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he’s happy to be back in Shadow Cabinet to represent the interests of Australian Defence Force veterans and their families.
Mr Chester was returned to the role after the new leader of the Liberal Party Angus Taylor announced shadow ministerial arrangements this week.
“Whether at home or abroad, respecting and recognising the work of our Australian Defence Force personnel, our veterans, and their families, has been the greatest honour of my time in Federal Parliament,” Mr Chester said.
“I was asked to return as the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in the new-look Coalition Shadow Ministry, and it’s a role I accepted with pride and a great deal of responsibility.
“Wherever possible, I will work with the government in a bipartisan way to support the interests of veterans and their families but I will have no hesitation in speaking out when we believe more action is required.”
Throughout his parliamentary career, Mr Chester has served in senior roles in government and opposition and was responsible for major changes to support more than 600,000 Australian veterans and their families.
“Work in this portfolio area is never finished because the needs of modern veterans will be different to those of previous generations,” Mr Chester said.
“Our record on veterans’ wellbeing as a Coalition Government was substantial and included major changes to how benefits are assessed and paid, increased focus on mental health and reducing suicide, and the formation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
“There is a need for more transparency, accountability and reform to the system as recommended by the Royal Commission, and we will be keeping the pressure on the Labor Party to deliver.
“The vast majority of our ADF personnel will train well, serve well, and transition well to civilian life, but if support is required, it must be delivered in a timely way and be accessible across the country.”
