Veterans' mental health focus of international government conference

An international conference attended by the United Kingdom, United States, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand governments has taken place to discuss veterans’ mental health and the transition from military to civilian life.

Combat Stress’ Medical Director Dr Walter Busuttil joined delegates including the UK’s Tobias Ellwood MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, at the International Ministerial (5-Eyes) Conference on Veterans’ Issues in Sydney, Australia, at the weekend.

The 5-Eyes Ministers and delegates are united in:

• ensuring the five nations understand and honour the service and sacrifice veterans and their families make
• and ensuring the positive work being done to support veterans and their families is communicated to, and understood by, the public

A report on suicide prevention was presented at the conference by the 5-Eyes Research Collaboration, detailing the similarities the five countries face in responding to this significant issue for service personnel, veterans and their families.

The 5-Eyes Research Collaboration includes world-renowned experts from the leading centres in military and veteran mental health in the five nations.

During the conference, Ministers and delegates signed a joint Statement of Intent acknowledging the benefits of working together and stating their intention to explore opportunities to collaborate on strategies that recognise, support and care for the defence and veteran communities and their families.