RSL Welcomes Support for Veteran Housing
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned &Services League of Australia (RSL) has commended the announcement that Hancock Prospecting will contribute $200 million to purchase properties to house Australia’s homeless veterans.
RSL Australia National President, Peter Tinley AM said the donation announced today by Hancock Prospecting’s Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart was reported to be the biggest ever private contribution to assist Australian veterans.
“It is an incredibly generous donation that will be welcomed by the veteran community. It should assist many of Australia’s 6,000 homeless veterans to put a roof over their heads,” Peter Tinley said.
An RSL Australia report in 2023, titled Give Me Shelter Leave No Veteran Behind, compiled by the not-for-profit body, Housing All Australians, showed that close to 6000 or 5.3 percent of Australia’s half a million plus current and former service personnel experienced homelessness in the previous year. That figure was nearly three times higher than that of the broader population and it’s expected that little has changed since that time.
Peter Tinley says the report showed that the alarming incidence of veteran homelessness is costing Australia a massive long-term economic loss estimated at $4.6 billion over 30 years.
“Many of these veterans have risked their lives for our country and to protect our way of life. As a result, some have experienced traumatising events that have impacted their mental health. We need to house these veterans not only because it makes economic sense, but importantly, it is the right thing to do.
“The issue was reinforced by the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
“The approach that is required is one that recognises that veterans need to have secure and affordable housing, located where they want to live, with access to healthcare alongside other social services, stable employment opportunities and veterans’ communities.
“The contribution from Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting is very welcome. It will help significantly and hopefully, will focus increased national attention of removing this inequity,” Peter Tinley said