This is my much-loved son, David. David loved his 20-year career in the Royal Australian Navy. On February 1 2019, my David took his own life after a crippling battle with Post-Traumatic Stress injury. He desperately wanted to stay alive, but David was failed by a broken system that is seeing more than one veteran a week take their own life. More than one death a week. That’s why I am calling for an urgent Royal Commission into veteran suicide rates. This petition is about the systemic failures the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), who had numerous opportunities to save my son and they failed. David was just one of too many veterans losing their battle with PTSD. This failure has created a whole new warzone for our veterans, one they can’t come home from. The people at ADF and DVA want to help, but their hands are tied by protocols and procedures. They are bogged down in paperwork and do nothing for the well-being of those that seek their help. Since WWI, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters and families and friends have been asking for a Royal Commission into the systemic failures that result in the suicide of our veterans. I don't want to be the mother that fights for a Royal Commission and I don't want to be the mother that has lost her child, but in their own words: my hands are tied. I will not stop until we see action by our Government. I owe it not only to my amazing son, David but to all veterans and their families. This is a national tragedy, and something needs to be done about it. I call on the Australian Government to establish a Royal Commission with wide terms of reference to examine and make recommendations regarding the Australian Veteran suicide rate and what can be done in practical terms to address this tragic situation. If you agree that this is a national crisis that needs to end - please, sign and share this petition. Julie-Ann Finney, proud mother of Dave Stafford Finney. If you or someone you know needs help, please phone Lifeline on 131 114, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. This petition was originally started by Phil Essam.

Assisting Allied troops and NGOs as a volunteer in Afghanistan was not likely to win him any awards, in a country ruled by a hierarchy deeply suspicious of Western influence. “Peter”, a caring teacher, husband and father, offered his services as an interpreter to international military personnel who used the nearby highway regularly as a thoroughfare.  Once his behaviour was noticed by the Taliban, he began to be targeted, and realising that his life may be at risk, he fled the country.   Upon Peter’s arrival in Australia, he was detained, but he was eventually found to be owed protection due to his work as an interpreter for Allied troops, and he was granted a visa and was released into the community.  Unfortunately, the bridging visa he received had no work rights, rendering him unable to support himself in Australia, or his family back home in Afghanistan – left as the head of the household back home, Peter’s wife struggled to take care of their young family.  Desperate, Peter blindly acted and committed a crime which would have him thrown back into detention.  Three and a half years later, Peter is still in detention in Australia, having had his visa revoked.   Currently, no deportations are taking place to anywhere, due to COVID-19.  Deportations back to Afghanistan are rare to non-existent, due to safety concerns, particularly for people of Peter’s tribal ethnicity.  Interpreters who have assisted Allied troops have been issued with protection visas in the past, which allow them to work and support themselves in Australia.  This is what Peter should have received in the first place. Peter is stuck in limbo.  He cannot support his family while in detention.  He cannot be sent back home.  He waits, not knowing if or when anything will change to relieve his anxiety about his family and their future.  He has been separated from them for over 7 years. Interpreters enabled Allied soldiers to protect themselves, to do their jobs and to help the Afghan people as they struggle under the oppression of the Taliban regime.  They should be regarded as heroes instead of being treated like criminals. Please sign and share to demand that Peter Dutton, Alan Tudge and the Departments of Immigration and Home Affairs release Peter on a protection visa that will allow him to support himself and to send funds home to help his family.  Please also think about donating to Human Rights for All, so we can continue our pro bono work for people like Peter.

In Australia there is a bill in Parliament the No Domestic Covid Vaccine Passports Bill 2021.   If passed the bill will prohibit the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and other non-government entities from issuing domestic COVID-19 vaccine passports; and discrimination on the basis of whether a person has had a COVID 19 vaccination in the provision of goods, services and facilities; and in relation to employment, education, accommodation and sport.   New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday 20 August 2021 that childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August 2021. On 28 June 2021, the Australian Government announced that COVID-19 vaccinations would be made mandatory for residential aged care workers. All workers in aged care will be required to receive their first dose of the vaccine by September this year. Queensland has a public health order in place mandating vaccination for health service employees who are likely to encounter and treat people with COVID-19.   What this means is that any workers in a vaccine mandated industry, who choose not to be vaccinated and who are not medically exempt, will not be able to work and will lose their capacity to earn an income.   There is nothing in law that currently protects individuals against discrimination based on your vaccine status, it is not a protected attribute. Since COVID-19 is novel we need to ensure that the community are protected against this kind of discrimination.   People deserve to have the choice and retain individual sovereignty over their bodies and the medical treatment they receive without coercion. That is why this bill needs to be supported and we need Parliament to see where the community stands.   You can be fully vaccinated, unvaccinated, pro-vaccine, or anti-vaccine, and still sign this petition as it only regards to the mandate.

There are currently Australians stuck in Morocco Due to Covid 19. Morocco closed their airspace almost without warning and many people were unable to leave. Morocco are allowing repatriation of foreign nationals out of Morocco and many other countries have done so but the Aussies have been told it won’t be happening and they may have to wait indefinitely to leave. There are many Aussies held up there in hotels, who are running out of money and don’t know how they can maintain their stay. Morocco has been in complete lockdown for the past 24 days. They have been forced to follow the strictest hygiene measures to prevent the spread of Covid 19. These are healthy Australian citizens. My friend Kelly is one of many stuck. She is the most generous and community minded person. Just the other month she started and coordinated a mammoth feed and stock recovery charity for the Victorians affected by the horrific fires. They had 300 round bales of hay leaving every 12 hours to help the farmers who were stranded and were unable to feed their animals who had survived the devistation. So many people were positively impacted by her dedication to help. She now has a partner at home who lives with disability and requires care and support. She desperately needs to get home for him. Kelly is just one person in this situation. This is impacting so many Australians. Please bring them home. 

Following the extensive media articles published on the 24th and 25th September 2017, the Australian public and the national press asked the Governor General to intervene in the matter of the recognition of the bravery for two diggers, Captain Tony Gilchrist and Sergeant Andy Street, who risked their lives on over 180 deadly missions in Iraq in 2005. To date, neither Tony or Andy have heard anything from the Department of Defence or the Governor General. Street and Gilchrist were denied gallantry awards despite the evidence of their outstanding bravery provided from the British and US military, the FBI, Australian Commanders and other key witnesses, one of which was their ‘boss’ in Iraq, Pete Norton GC. Norton was awarded the George Cross for his work alongside Street and Gilchrist. He is the current Chair of the exclusive Victoria Cross and George Cross Association whose members includes the likes of Keith Payne VC and Ben Roberts-Smith VC. Norton knows exactly what constitutes gallantry and bravery in combat. Even the Australian Defence Force’s own Honours and Awards Directorate agreed that both Gilchrist and Street deserved recognition for gallantry. Instead, both men were given somewhat token awards for ‘distinguished service’, identical to those awards given to ADF members deployed in training, administration positions and those in command who do not see combat. The acts of digging by hand for booby-trap explosive devices, searching for bomb components amongst the bodies of 150 civilians killed in a single terrorist atrocity, hunting through crowds for a second suicide bomber immediately after a suicide attack and surviving multiple attempts on their lives including RPGs, buried IEDs, snipers and mortars were just a few of the acts of bravery well above and well beyond that expected of a distinguished service award recipient. This lack of understanding of the roles of Street and Gilchrist in Iraq forced both men to appeal for a review of their service and possibly be considered for gallantry awards. The review process took nearly 10 years through the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (DHAAT). The DHAAT were entirely responsible for the denial of gallantry awards for Andy and Tony. The Tribunal ignored over 1,300 pages of written evidence and oral and written statements given by actual witnesses who served alongside both men in the US-led Combined Explosives Exploitation Cell (CEXC). The Tribunal (which then, and still to this day, contains no member with similar operational ‘on-the-ground’ experience nor any gallantry awards), overruled witness accounts that recommended that Street and Gilchrist deserved medals of gallantry during their time as the “Baghdad bomb-hunters”. The Tribunal ignored the oral evidence provided from Australian Commanders in charge of all Australian troops deployed in the Middle East at the time of Street and Gilchrist’s deployment. Other witness statements that were dismissed were from fellow members of Andy and Tony’s ten-man patrol team, whose UK and US members were awarded a George Cross, a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery, a Mention in Dispatches, a Bronze Star, two FBI Shields of Bravery and a FBI Medal of Valour between them. Inexplicably, the Tribunal produced a single, handwritten, unofficial note allegedly written by a high-ranking ‘Australian General’ - with no connection to the men or their unit - that they used to justify the denial of awards. Surprisingly, as the media reports were quick to recognise, the DHAAT reported that they could not identify what constitutes gallantry! So why did they ignore the testimony of the likes of Norton - a soldier awarded the very highest medal for gallantry? ALL the witnesses had much more operational experience of bravery than the entire board of the DHAAT. This is surely not to be ignored when the Tribunal could not even identify what gallantry was? Following the ‘bizarre’ decision of the DHAAT, Street and Gilchrist approached those agencies that are charged with overseeing the conduct of Government organisations such as DHAAT. The Office of the Inspector-General ADF, the Defence Ombudsman, the Directorate of Investigations and Recovery and the Defence Public Interest Disclosure unit were apparently unable to investigate the Tribunal’s decision, citing that the DHAAT was freely able to make decisions that are “…functus officio in respect of this [DHAAT] review, and [they] cannot legally amend or revise this decision…”. This apparent impunity means that the DHAAT is untouchable, despite clear evidence that the Tribunal members may have omitted key information, ignored witnesses, or were subject to external influences in their decision-making process. For example, undisclosed links between the Tribunal board members and the previously mentioned ‘Australian General’ subsequently came to light which questioned the very independence of the Tribunal when it came to Gilchrist and Street. What now? Is it right that both men give up their fight for recognition? Should these two war heroes now pursue actions against the DHAAT in a court of law? Is this even possible? In a further development, as the original Daily Telegraph article noted, Street returned his Commendation for Distinguished Service medal and Certificate to the Governor General, citing that the DHAAT report had confirmed that his medal had been awarded incorrectly due to ‘Defence maladministration’. Despite numerous letters and emails written by Street, the Tribunal and Governor General both appear to refuse to talk to each other, leaving Street frustrated and angry. There is one option left: We can officially request intervention from the Governor General – the person whom is ultimately responsible for Australian honours and awards. For this to happen we need public support. If we can raise a significant number of signatures via Change.org then an official request for a response can be sought. The Governor General is the Commander-in-Chief of the ADF and is Chancellor of the Order of Australia and therefore can make a difference. Please remember that Gilchrist and Street have tried everything they can. Their story has appeared on the front page of national newspapers, has been featured on TV’s Channel 10 News, The Project and ABC’s Four Corners. They have the support from the likes of Senator Jacqui Lambie, the FBI, the US and UK military including the Chair of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. Both men have already been accepted for gallantry awards by the Defence Honours and Awards Directorate. Gilchrist and Street were recognised by Brendon Nelson - the Director of the Australian War Memorial - as having saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives by risking their own on a daily basis. Despite this, not a single response has been issued from the Governor General, Defence or the DHAAT since the media reports of September 2017. All the Australian, British and American members of the CEXC made a promise to each other. For the men who saved each other’s lives and hundreds of others, they promised that their actions would not be unrewarded. This is our last chance to appeal to the Governor General to recognise the Australians - Tony and Andy – and their acts of gallantry, lest they are forgotten. The media reports are available here: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/hurt-locker-heroes https://www.theage.com.au/national/Baghdad-bomb-hunters https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/ieds-killed--iraq    

Despite a shortage of rural doctors in Gippsland, aspiring medical students that adore the region and wish to study, live and work there are prevented from doing so by a nonsensical policy made by Monash University regarding entry to their Medical Degree.  Federation University graduates from Gippsland are currently forced to move across the state or even interstate due to a Monash University policy that prevents their entry to the Monash University medicine program. The irony of the situation is that this program is delivered in Churchill at the Monash School of rural health, in the very same location as these students have completed their undergraduate degree.Recently, the national Budget allocated $95 million towards the new Murray Darling Medical school network. This school aims to train rural doctors without students needing to leave their region. However, Monash School of Rural Health had the ability to do just this: if only they would change their ridiculous and somewhat discriminatory policy. Monash school of rural health is located in Churchill, sharing buildings with Federation University who delivers a Biomedical Science degree that meets criteria for entry to all Australian Medical Schools except the Monash School of Rural Health. Monash will only accept students who have graduated from their own Biomedicine degree. Monash have been approached and asked for a rationale behind this decision, to which they have offered none. It seems reasonable, therefore, to conclude that Monash University maintains this policy for financial gain; ensuring increased popularity for their own Biomedicine program. This Monash University policy means that Gippsland students wishing to study postgraduate medicine must move (or commute an exorbitant distance through traffic or on subpar public transport) to Monash's Clayton campus for 3 years to complete their Biomedical Science degree, before they can move back to Gippsland and study Medicine at Churchill (with placement opportunities throughout Gippsland). Otherwise, students can study biomedical science at Federation University Churchill before moving across the state or interstate to complete their medical degree. This Monash University policy is harming not only the students but the patients of Gippsland. Please help us change this policy by signing and sharing this petition if you would like to see doctors that are trained in and STAY IN GIPPSLAND.

To the honourable members of the Australian Parliament,  I, Elizabeth Kazon, an Intersex Transgender Female, and my fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies and supporters, call upon you to without delay hire surgeons within the Medicare public health system to perform sex reassignment surgeries, thus making these certified Life Saving Surgeries, affordable for all Transgender and Intersex Australians. Within Australia, Medicare pays a rebate for some Male to Female Sex Reassignment Surgeries and some Female to Male Sex Reassignment Surgeries, however as there isn’t the possibility to have these surgeries performed in the public health system, private surgeons have a virtual monopoly, making these necessary surgeries unaffordable for a majority of Transgender and Intersex individuals. Furthermore, advancements are being made in these surgeries, however there is no opportunity for the private surgeons to learn and use these new techniques as they are constantly backlogged with patients who have no alternatives. The approximate cost in Australia to have a Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty is $18’000 excluding aftercare, fights and accommodation. A new surgery, the Peritoneum Pull-Through Vaginoplasty has been pioneered and is being performed oversees for approximately $20’000-$40’000 USD. This cost is relatively affordable when compared to the $100’000+ payable to have Phalloplasty performed in Australia. These prices are unaffordable, and it should be offered within the public system. In addition, it is with great conviction that we also believe that breast enhancement, breast reduction, Buttocks enhancement and buttocks reduction should also be performed for those holding a valid Intersex or Transgender Diagnosis as such procedures have been proven to greatly improve Transgender and Intersex individuals’ mental health.  We the undersigned call upon you, the Australian Parliament, to without delay, put pressure on the individual states and territories to hire and train 1 specialist surgeon per capital city in Australia plus at least 4 specialist nurses to assist them. These surgeons collectively should be proficient in the following new and older techniques to meet the needs of the Transgender and Intersex Individuals of Australia: ·         Peritoneum Pull-Through Vaginoplasty, ·         Sigmoid Colon Vaginoplasty, ·         Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty, ·         Facial Feminization Surgery, ·         Voice Feminization Surgery, ·         Tracheal Shave, ·         Breast and Buttock Augmentation, ·         Mastectomy, ·         Hysterectomy, ·         Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy, ·         Metoidplasty, ·         Phalloplasty. Yours with hope, 

The Federal Govt recently launched the Veterans Card hoping hoping to win brownie points from everyone. Whilst the card, covenant and lapel pin are nice recognition, it is supposed to include great discounts from hundreds of Australian businesses. So most veterans were expecting to see a simple list of businesses to be listed on the Dept of Veterans Affairs (DVA) website (at minimal cost to taxpayers). However, many veterans are now very upset that the Govt has done a secret deal with a private company to run it: Everyday Savers Pty Ltd trading as Australian Partners of Defence (APOD). Members are expected to join APOD and it is believed that APOD will earn fees when veterans redeem discounts online and pre-pay by credit card. Regretably, most discounts are disappointing and many require the veteran to pre-purchase a $100 gift voucher to receive a pathetic $2.50 discount. This APOD partnership with the Federal Govt needs to be reversed as it is envisaged that this partnership may cost veterans and taxpayers dearly. It is also too difficult for many older veterans to use, especially if they do not have access to the internet. To support this petition please write to your local federal member and the Minister for Veteran Affairs, Darren Chester. In the meantime, I suggest all 33,000 of us boycott APOD and just ask for a "veterans discount" at every business you visit. Even if a business does not usually give a "veterans discount", most will if asked. There are 33,000 of us veteran about to receive a Veterans Card so let us use our strength in numbers. For more discussion from veterans visit the face book group page "Australian Veterans Card Support Group"

Please Help us to Bring Paul Home .In 1975 a letter was received by my parents offering an option to repatriate Paul due to relocation of Ulu Pandan cemetery.. The response date was after the date it was received. Our latest request has been refused due to no evidence. The OAWG cannot find information about this letter or what the process was. I believe the letter came from MOD UK who advised me the records were possibly destroyed. 

Too residents of Bairnsdale and surroundings.  I really think an indoor play centre would be great for both parents,children and the community overall. Lets be honest, there isn't much for our children to do besides pools, beaches and out door play grounds.. I just think it would benifit everyone especially when the weather isn't the best  and  i think it would also be a big hit for our tourists  if they knew we  had somewhere like this for the whole family to enjoy they might stay longer. It would be great during the holiday periods!  Please sign this petition so i can show this to the East Gippsland council in hopes something is done! Thankyou. �