Today, the campaign for a Royal Commission into Veterans Suicide took a big step forward when Prime Minister Scott Morrison met with me, and other mothers of veterans lost to this crisis. 

It’s a big step in the right direction, but we’re not there yet. That’s why we’re gathering peacefully around the nation this Monday to honour the #VetsWeForget and demand a Royal Commission

At the meeting, the PM told us a Royal Commission was not off the table. He said money is not the issue, and he asked for six months to see if a Royal Commission is feasible. 

I thanked the PM for taking the time to see us, and I thank him for the initiatives and improvements already underway. I also thanked him for announcing a royal commission when he does so. But while I am grateful to have met with the PM, we can’t wait six months - this crisis is affecting the lives of veterans and their families everyday. But, I see this a step in the right direction. 

Click here to RSVP to a VetsWeForget peaceful gathering on Remembrance Day

Then, at the Save our Heroes Summit organised by the Daily Telegraph, we shared our stories of loss, of trauma, and a broken system. And we were heard - acting NSW Minister for Veterans Affairs, Geoff Lee, announced NSW’s support for a Royal Commission.  

We need to show the PM that people all around Australia desperately want this Royal Commission. This Monday, on Remembrance Day, we will stand with veterans and their families. We will gather peacefully around the country and observe the minutes silence, and we will honour those lost by calling for a Royal Commission. 

Please, will you stand with me, and these other amazing women who also had to bury their children after losing them to this crisis? Will you stand up for those who have given so much to their country? 

Click here to RSVP to a #VetsWeForget gathering around Australia

Never giving up, 

Julie-Ann Finney, proud mother of Dave Stafford Finney.

IMAGE: Nikki Jamieson, mother of Daniel Garforth, Colleen Pillen, mother of Michael John Powers, Glenda Weston, mother of Bradley Carr, Julie-Ann Finney, mother of Dave Stafford Finney, Jan Hewitt, mother of Brock Hewitt (not pictured: Karen Bird, mother of Jesse Bird).

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