Jesse Bird inquiry finds Veterans' Affairs failed suicidal veteran

14th October, 2017

Returned veteran Jesse Bird has been let down by both our Federal Government and the Department of Veterans Affairs ("DVA"). In Jesse's case, an official inquiry into his treatment found there were significant failures by DVA that increased his risk factors, and urgent changes are now needed to protect other vulnerable veterans.

To Jesse and his family, the support he needed never came and Jesse unfortunately committed suicide weeks after losing a claim for permanent impairment that he had been pursuing for almost two years. That decision came despite DVA accepting initial liability in August 2016 for Jesse's post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse.

Jesse (32) was a veteran of the Afghan war and warned DVA he was suicidal and under severe financial stress. When he died, Jesse had only $5.20 in his bank account. Jesse received his first and only incapacity payment after his death, and this is an absolute disgrace and an affront to all military personnel and veterans that serve, defend and protect our great country.

I wish I could say that Jesse's case is an isolated one but it's not, as many veterans are needing more help than ever before. No more excuses as it's the job of our Government and DVA to help our military personnel and their families, and it's help our veterans need, not excuses.

In Jesse's case, the help he so desperately needed was not afforded to him and whilst our Government and DVA let Jesse and other veterans down, they should hang their heads in shame for their actions and the loss of yet another brave Australian. I take no pleasure in saying this but the Minister of Veterans' Affairs Dan Tehan needs to resign rather than calling yet another inquiry, and the DVA needs to immediately change its culture and do its job, which is to look after our military personnel. The heads of these departments need to be personally accountable for the actions and decisions their departments have made, and as it appears in this case, the disastrous consequences those decisions caused Jesse and his family.

We're Australian and we look after one another. As a country, we ask our citizens like Jesse to serve, and at times ask them to go above and beyond when we send them into conflict zones. Our military personal serve with honour and distinction, under much duress and at great personal risk, but they do so with pride, and do so to serve, defend and protect their country.

As a minimum however, they also expect that their Government, their country, their fellow Australians and most importantly the DVA will be there to help and protect them when its needed, that is they have the support of a grateful nation who is there for them in their own times of need.

I hereby join with Jesse's family and all other veterans to call for sweeping reforms to protect all veterans and their families. Our veterans can no longer wait, and immediately need to see evidence that changes are being made, and likewise that their country and DVA are taking their cases seriously, and that there cases matter.

The mistreatment of our veterans must stop, and must stop immediately. It's time for change Australia, and for all Australians to be put first.

Australians veterans are suffering - and no more.

If you are a veteran who needs help, or know one, you can call the Veterans and Veterans Counselling Service (VVCS) on 1800 011 046.

Alternatively if you or anyone you know needs help, you can call:
    - Lifeline on 13 11 14
    - Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
    - MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
    - Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
    - Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
    - Headspace on 1800 650 890

Philip Couper

To see the ABC article, see:
https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-14/jesse-bird-veteran-affairs-inquiry-finds-failings/9050594?pfmredir=sm&sf122100867=1&smid=Page%3A+ABC+News-Facebook_Organic&WT.tsrc=Facebook_Organic&fbclid=IwAR30gkvPIj2X4o2xOxSKFhQx0gvGY4PaAYmVndSLQtV9L0blZfZU3lFR164