Keith Payne, one of Australia's most decorated soldiers and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, has called for a national rethink on the care of veterans and their families. At 92 years old, Payne, who saved the lives of 40 wounded soldiers during the Battle of Ben Het in the Vietnam War, urged the federal government to step up support.
Payne's comments come amid ongoing concerns about veteran suicide rates and access to mental health services in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the suicide rate among veterans is higher than the general population, with an average of 41 deaths per year between 2001 and 2022.
In his appeal, Payne emphasized the need for better coordination between government agencies and community organizations to ensure veterans receive timely and adequate care. He also highlighted the importance of supporting families who often bear the burden of caring for veterans with physical and psychological wounds.
The federal government has recently announced additional funding for veteran mental health services, but Payne and other advocates argue that more comprehensive reforms are needed. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which delivered its final report in 2024, made 130 recommendations, including improved access to healthcare and better transition support for those leaving the military.
Payne's call for action underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Australia's veteran community, as the nation prepares to mark Anzac Day on April 25.
